What is Juneteenth, America's newest federal holiday?

Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. It became a federal holiday in 2021.

Juneteenth is coming up this week, which means many Americans will have much-needed day off work.

A variety of cultural events are set to take place across Illinois on June 19 to commemorate the 1865 freeing of the last Black slaves of the Confederacy. Examples of upcoming events include a parade at Gately Stadium and a concert at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.

If you're planning a trip to the bank this week, here's what you should know.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes. It's the youngest federal holiday and rose to prominence in 2020. President Joe Biden declared it a federal holiday in 2021.

Are banks open on Juneteenth?

The Federal Reserve considers Juneteenth a bank holiday, meaning most banks will be closed.

Is the stock market closed on Juneteenth?

Yes. United States stock markets are closed on June 19, 2025.

Can mail be sent on Juneteenth?

No. The United States Postal Service is closed June 19.

Are schools open on June 19?

Many schools are not in session for the summer. Students and parents should check with their respective summer programs to find out whether educational programming is canceled for the day.

Chelsey Cox and Saman Shafiq contributed to this article.