Juneteenth Holiday Observance

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 11:00am

TO: Sonoma State Employees
FR: Chandra Holte, Human Resources
       Jerlena Griffin-Desta, Ph.D., Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are happy to share that June 19 (Juneteenth), which was recognized as a federal and state holiday this past year, has now officially been designated as a paid holiday for CSU employees.
 
While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, freedom for America’s enslaved population did not become a full-scale reality until June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers announced that the 250,000 enslaved black people in Texas had been legally freed via the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier. Known as the ‘second U.S. Independence Day,’ Juneteenth has historically been celebrated by Black Americans, but it is now being recognized and honored by Americans of every race and culture. Not only does the holiday represent freedom, but also the values of inclusion, access, and opportunity often characterized as fundamentally American.

This year, the holiday will be observed on Monday, June 19, 2023, and every year on June 19, unless it falls on a Saturday or Sunday. If it falls on a Saturday, the holiday will be observed on the preceding Friday. If the date falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday.

The updated Sonoma State holiday schedule can be found on the Payroll and Benefits website.
    •    Additional information regarding the historical significance of Juneteenth.