Elorza Makes Juneteenth Paid Holiday for City of Providence Employees

Elorza Makes Juneteenth Paid Holiday for City of Providence Employees

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza has officially declared Juneteenth an official paid holiday for city employees.

As June 19 falls on a Saturday, it will be recognized on Friday June 18 this year.   

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States.

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Originating in Galveston, Texas, it is now celebrated annually on June 19 in commemoration of the anniversary date in 1865 when Union Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom from slavery in Texas.

Statement to City Employees

Paid holidays for city employees are negotiated and dictated in union contracts; it is unclear how much the cost to the city will be. 

The city's personnel office sent the following to city personnel on Tuesday, when Elorza signed an executive order dictating the paid holiday:

"Mayor Elorza and the City’s Human Resources Department are pleased to announce that, in observance of the newly-recognized Juneteenth holiday on June 19, 2021, City of Providence employees will be granted a paid day off, and regular City operations will be closed on Friday, June 18, 2021.  

Essential Public Safety employees required to work will receive payment at one and one half time their regular rate of pay.

June 19th is a symbolic date for our nation as on that date in 1865 Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. 

Juneteenth began as a holiday in the State of Texas and is now celebrated in cities and states throughout the country as a special day of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all slaves in the United States. 

Juneteenth would not be possible if it were not for the courage and determination of former slaves who relentlessly fought for their freedom and dignity."