Juneteenth will be celebrated in Massachusetts as a state and federal holiday on Monday, June 20.
The date of June 19 was first designated as a state holiday in 2020 and federal holiday in 2021, but it has been commemorated in Massachusetts since former Gov. Deval Patrick first signed a proclamation in 2007.
The date has long been celebrated in other parts of the country, sometimes as Emancipation Day, the day in 1865 when Union Army Gen. Gordan Granger proclaimed freedom for more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas, completing the end of slavery in the areas of the United States after more than 300 years. These freed Texans took the celebration with them as traveled to other states although their liberty was still limited by the enforcement of Jim Crow laws, bigotry, fear and violence.
Juneteenth has been a state holiday in Texas for nearly 40 years following renewed interest and energy during the Civil Rights Movement. It has also been called Jubilee Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence Day.
In 2016, 89-year-old Opal Lee, who had watched a mob of racists burn down her house on Juneteenth in 1939, walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the date to become a federal holiday. She stood next to President Biden when he signed the declaration.
Closed:
Federal, state and local offices; no mail delivery.
Banks; Wall Street
Public colleges and schools, most private schools
Public libraries
BRTA operates as usual; offices are closed.
Open:
Most retail outlets, groceries
Restaurants and bars, by choice
Convenience stores
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.
The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.
"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.
"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."
Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.
He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.
BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."
"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.
She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.
Voters at the annual town meeting on Monday, May 6, will decide 22 articles, including articles on sidewalks and the authorization of a number of spending articles, including an approximate $22 million budget. click for more
Ken Sagendorph, a former firefighter and emergency technician, says his goal is to improve communication between the Fire District, residents, town, and department if elected to the Board of Water Commissioners. click for more
Adoptable pups Beethoven and Starr took a stroll down North Street on Tuesday with hopes of finding forever homes on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. click for more