Understanding Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday, marking the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
San Antonio’s Observance of Juneteenth
SAN ANTONIO (June 17, 2024) — In honor of Juneteenth, City Hall and most municipal offices in San Antonio will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. While many city services will be paused, essential public safety and emergency services will remain in operation to ensure the community’s safety and well-being.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
- Police: The San Antonio Police Department will maintain regular duty schedules, ensuring that law enforcement services are uninterrupted.
- Fire and EMS: Firefighters and emergency medical services personnel will be on duty to respond to emergencies and provide critical services.
General Services
Several city services will continue to operate, albeit with some modifications:
- 3-1-1 Call Center: Operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 5 to 11 p.m. for urgent animal concerns and traffic signal malfunctions.
- Animal Care Officers: On duty to handle animal-related issues.
- Code Enforcement Officers: Available for inspections and emergency coverage.
- Downtown Parking: On-street parking meters will be free of charge, though this does not apply to off-street city-operated garages and lots.
- Outdoor Pools: Open on June 19. For specific hours and locations, visit SanAntonio.gov/ParksAndRec.
- City Parks and Trails: Open for public use.
- Fitness and Park Classes: Limited classes will be held.
Waste Collection and Drop-Off Services
- Garbage, Recycling, and Organics: Collections will follow the regular schedule throughout the week.
Facilities and Administrative Offices
Some city facilities and offices will remain open, while others will be closed:
Open Facilities
- Municipal Court Magistration Services: Open for court-related matters.
- SAPD’s Detention Center: Operational.
- La Villita and Market Square Shops: Open to the public.
- Spanish Governor’s Palace: Open for tours and visits.
Closed Facilities
- Central Library and All Library Locations
- The Darner Headquarters and Park Reservations Office
- Head Start Administrative Offices and School District Sites
- City of San Antonio Community Centers: Including the Natatorium, Fairchild and McFarlin Tennis Centers, and Barrera Community Fitness Center.
- All Metro Health Clinics and Offices
- San Antonio Municipal Court
- Animal Care Services Lobby and Adoption Center
- SAPD’s Administration and Records Section
- SAFD Administrative Offices
- Most Senior/Adult Comprehensive Centers and Senior Nutrition Sites
- Community Centers: Including Willie Velasquez, Claude Black, and Frank Garrett centers.
- Child Care Services Administrative Offices
- Homeless Connections Hotline and Veteran Services
- City of San Antonio Street Outreach and Homeless Encampment Team
- Carver Community Cultural Center
- Alamodome Offices and Box Office
- La Villita and Market Square Administrative Offices
- Solid Waste Management Administrative Offices
- Development Services Department
- Economic Development Department
- Office of Historic Preservation
- Office of Innovation
- Planning Department
- Neighborhood and Housing Services
- Office of the City Clerk, including Vital Records
- Culture Commons Gallery at Plaza de Armas
- Centro de Artes Gallery at Market Square
- Pre-K 4 SA Education Centers and Corporate Office
- Bitters Brush Site at 1800 Wurzbach Parkway
- Bulky Waste Drop and Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Centers: Including Bitters, Frio City Rd., Rigsby, and Culebra sites.
Why Juneteenth Matters
The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a crucial step in acknowledging the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States. This day serves as a reminder of the journey towards freedom and equality, celebrating resilience, and recognizing the ongoing efforts to address racial injustice.
San Antonio’s observance of Juneteenth by closing municipal offices and providing specific city services ensures that residents have the opportunity to reflect on the significance of this day. It also highlights the city’s commitment to honoring African American history and culture.
Conclusion
Juneteenth is a significant federal holiday that marks a pivotal moment in American history. San Antonio’s comprehensive approach to observing this day, by closing most municipal offices and adjusting service schedules, allows the community to celebrate and reflect on the importance of freedom and equality. By understanding the significance of Juneteenth and participating in local observances, we honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and continue to strive for a more inclusive and just society.