ST. LOUIS COUNTY (KMOX) - Juneteenth is now an official holiday for St. Louis County, starting this year.
County Executive Sam Page says they have agreed with the Civil Service Commission to add it to the County's holiday calendar on June 19th. The day marks the anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S.
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Dr. Page said it's a day to appreciate the changes that have taken place since the 19th Century, "while reflecting upon in how we can each play a role in the changes that are yet to come."
Here's the full announcement from the County:
The action means all county offices will be closed on that day.
The day is also recognized as a holiday in the City of St. Louis, after Mayor Lyda Krewson's signed a proclamation last year.
In 2020, both St. Louis County and City recognized the holiday after calls to do so came from protesters calling for racial justice in cities across American and St. Louis. There were significant marches in downtown St. Louis and East St. Louis.
The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on June 19, 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War. Slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
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