Juneteenth events scheduled for Salt Lake County

Juneteenth is an annual holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

We recognize that there is still progress to be made in ensuring racial equity for all. That’s why we’re declaring June 19 as Juneteenth in Utah.#OneUtah pic.twitter.com/AR8zxrGcn1

— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) June 17, 2021

The government has the power to make it a state holiday via a proclamation, but a Senate spokesperson said the proclamation would have to be declared every year thereafter. 

Some businesses remain open on Juneteenth

Despite Juneteenth being a federal holiday, some agencies will still be open. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will also remain open. 

In a statement, USPS said, “It is not possible to cease the operations of the Postal Service to accommodate an observance over the next 24-48 hours.” USPS is critical to the nation’s infrastructure and people depend on their services to receive mail. 

“Closing down our operations without providing appropriate time would lead to operational disruptions and be a disservice to our customers and those who rely upon us. For that reason, the Postal Service will be operating on June 18 and 19, 2021, on a normal schedule, serving our customers to the best of our ability,” USPS continued. 

Some state employees will also have to work.

Additionally, the federal courts will be open in Utah for appointments and jail transports. These could not be canceled on the short notice provided by President Biden signing the bill into law on Thursday.  

The office of the United States Attorney for Utah said if they did cancel those appointments it could affect people’s constitutional rights. 

Juneteenth events in Salt Lake County  

Juneteenth in Utah this weekend is going to be packed with events. Check the pictures below for all of the tea of what is going on! Hope to see you all there! If you happen to run into the director take a pic with him and tag the BCC and you’ll be in the running for a Amazon card pic.twitter.com/RwmYGFnA7a

— Black Cultural Center, University of Utah (@uofubcc) June 14, 2021