The United States is marking Juneteenth today, a federal holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and over two months after the Civil War had ended.
Officially established as a federal holiday in 2021 by President Joe Biden, Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Jubilee Day — remains the nation’s oldest celebration marking the end of slavery. It became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was recognized in 1983.
In New Jersey, Juneteenth is not only recognized on June 19 but also observed on June 20 as a state holiday. Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation in 2020 granting state employees a paid day off to honor the occasion.
As a result, most municipal and state offices will be closed on Friday, June 20. Here’s what to expect over both days:
Thursday, June 19 – Federal Observance
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Post Offices: Closed. No regular residential or business mail delivery. Priority Mail Express will still operate.
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Banks: Most major banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, and Capital One will be closed. Capital One Cafes will remain open.
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UPS & FedEx: Both UPS and FedEx will maintain normal pickup and delivery services. Local store hours may vary.
Friday, June 20 – New Jersey State Observance
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Courts: Closed, except for emergent matters.
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Motor Vehicle Commission: All locations closed.
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NJ Transit: Normal weekday service will run on all routes except for bus Route 319.
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Municipal/State Offices: Many government offices will be closed in observance of the state holiday.