Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

DeKalb city recognizes Juneteenth as ‘Freedom Day’

Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
By J.D. Capelouto
June 18, 2020

The city of Doraville in DeKalb County has proclaimed this Friday, June 19, as “Juneteenth Freedom Day,” officials announced.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that enslaved people were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

In a statement, Doraville officials noted Juneteenth is “the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery” in the country.

READ MORE: Juneteenth events happening in Atlanta this week

This year, Juneteenth has taken on greater significance, amid a national reckoning over race, racism and police violence. More corporations are treating June 19 as a company holiday this year. However, it has not been designated as a federal holiday, which would make it a paid day off for many American workers.

Several events are planned throughout Atlanta to celebrate Juneteenth this year.

Follow DeKalb County News on Facebook and Twitter 

About the Author

J.D. is a local news reporter covering intown Atlanta and Atlanta City Hall for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Follow J.D. Capelouto on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Chris Van Beneden, left, who worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 25 years, and Julie Edelson, who worked there for 10, protest in support of the CDC in front of its Atlanta headquarters on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, after layoffs were announced. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

Credit: AP

Outrage and sadness fuel protest outside CDC

The firings began Tuesday for employees across the entire U.S. Health and Human Services Department, of which the CDC is a part.

FEMA must face Atlanta flood repair lawsuit after approving just $200 of $1.2M aid

The Federal Emergency Management Agency must face a lawsuit by the city of Atlanta after approving only $200 of the city’s request for $1.2 million in flood repair costs.

‘Jailbnb’ and a missing dino: Atlanta’s biggest April Fools’ jokes this year

The Latest

Chris Van Beneden, left, who worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 25 years, and Julie Edelson, who worked there for 10, protest in support of the CDC in front of its Atlanta headquarters on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, after layoffs were announced. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

Credit: AP

Outrage and sadness fuel protest outside CDC

‘Jailbnb’ and a missing dino: Atlanta’s biggest April Fools’ jokes this year

Federal judge hands Georgia a win in Lake Allatoona ‘water wars’ case

Featured

People join a rally in support for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, at the Atlanta headquarters after federal cuts triggered significant layoffs. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Mass layoffs underway at Atlanta-based CDC

Public health experts say the CDC cuts could represent generational damage to health research and the elimination of infectious diseases.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses his hourlong phone call with Kirk Cousins

“I had a long and impactful conversation with him,” the Atlanta Falcons owner said at the NFL annual meeting on Tuesday.

Atlanta rapper Young Scooter died after cutting leg on wood fence, medical examiner says

New details still have investigators asking questions about the death of the rapper, who police say died after falling while running from officers responding to a 911 call.