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.

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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
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