Delaware County Declares Juneteenth A Holiday

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — June 19 is Juneteenth and it celebrates the full emancipation of black slaves in the United States.

Now, Delaware County is among the many governmental entities to declare the day a holiday.

"Council is proud to officially recognize June 19 as Juneteenth in Delaware County," said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. "Juneteenth serves as a day for residents to celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States and an opportunity for our entire community to learn more about African American history, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped African Americans and our Country."

Traditionally, there have been many events held across the county to commemorate Juneteenth, however some were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

From noon to 5 p.m. Friday, a celebration will be held at the Veterans Memorial on Route 3 in Newtown Square.

And at 9:15 p.m. Friday, members of the Chester community will present a fireworks display at the Chester Waterfront on Seaport Drive.

One hundred cars will be permitted into the parking lot and residents can also view the display from their homes.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, which had legally freed slaves on Jan. 1, 1863, almost two-and-a-half years earlier.

Many slaves, particularly in Texas and other southwestern states were not informed of the Emancipation Proclamation until General Granger’s announcement.

The holiday received its name by combining June and 19. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”

In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday.

Since then, 45 other states, including Pennsylvania have declared Juneteenth a state holiday.

In 2019, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 9, formerly House Bill 619, which designates June 19 as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" in Pennsylvania.