Tuscaloosa Mayor Reaffirms Juneteenth's Importance With Proclamation

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox on Tuesday re-issued a proclamation formally declaring June 19 in the city to be recognized as Juneteenth.

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Juneteenth was signed into law by President Joe Biden and became a federal holiday in 2021. It has been the most enduring public observation of the end of the slavery in the United States, with the holiday tracing its origins to Galveston, Texas in 1865.

The holiday is typically celebrated on June 19.

The proclamation by Maddox was originally issued in May 2021, but the mayor said it was re-issued this year to underscore the meaning of the holiday and its importance.

After approving the paid holiday as part of the fiscal year 2022 budget, the City of Tuscaloosa will also observe Juneteenth by giving employees the day off on Monday, June 20.

"Tonight is a special night where we recognize Juneteenth," Maddox said during Tuesday's regular City Council meeting. "I'm very proud that this City Council used part of the budget passed in September to approve Juneteenth as an official holiday for City of Tuscaloosa employees."

Of the three major governmental bodies in the metro, along with Tuscaloosa County and the City of Northport, the City of Tuscaloosa is first — and only — thus far to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday for its employees.

As Patch previously reported, the Northport City Council on Monday opted against adding the holiday for the current fiscal year, after some city leaders cited budget concerns and their desire for additional due diligence.

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