Let's Celebrate Freedom!
History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is an annual celebration marking the end of slavery for over 3.5 million African American Slaves in the United States. Every June 19, millions celebrate the day that slaves in Texas learned that they were finally free. Texas was the last state to enact the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863, signed by Abraham Lincoln. The Civil War ended in April of 1865, and two months later, on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Grander issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas. He proclaimed, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
Congress ratified the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 6 months later, on December 6, 1865. The following year, freed slaves across the United States celebrated their newfound freedom on June 19. The celebration of June 19 was coined Juneteenth.
BrightStar Credit Union’s Observance
Currently, 47 states (including Florida) recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or day of observance. BrightStar Credit Union is committed to supporting and helping our employees celebrate Juneteenth with family and friends. June 19, 2020 will serve as the inception of BrightStar Credit Union observing Juneteenth Day. In lieu of closing operations this year, all BrightStar employees will receive a paid floating holiday to use at their leisure. Thereafter, consistent with all BrightStar Credit Union observed holidays, our operations will be closed annually for Juneteenth Day commencing in June 2021.