Juneteenth is the most recent federally recognized holiday, but there’s still work to be done to further its recognition and in the liberation of Black Americans. Here’s what you can do to celebrate—especially if you have the day off—and how you can advocate for its recognition in your workplace and community.
What is Juneteenth, and Why is it a National Holiday?
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865—a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—when enslaved Texans learned that they were free. In the following years, Black Texans celebrated their freedom with intimate gatherings and comfort food, and the celebration naturally spread across the South and beyond.
While Juneteenth has been a state holiday in Texas since 1980, in 2020, President Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery, bringing attention to the day and its significance to the national stage.
Many Americans didn’t know about Juneteenth until 2020, but it’s never too late to start celebrating, serving, and further advocating in honor of what Juneteenth represents: the freedom of Black Americans.
Who Gets Paid Time Off for Juneteenth?
Government Employees
While all federal employees receive the day off on Juneteenth, a fair number of state employees do not. According to the latest available data from Pew Research, 24 states still do not recognize Juneteenth as a permanent public holiday, meaning the employees in those states do not receive a paid day off.
Private Sector Employees 
The amount of companies giving their employees paid time off for Juneteenth has continued to grow since its federal declaration. According to data from the Washington Examiner and Mercer, at least 39% of private companies have made Juneteenth a holiday.
Taskrabbit is proud to have observed Juneteenth with time off for all team members since 2021, and we continue to support all of our employees with allyship opportunities throughout the year.
What Can You Do to Celebrate
Serve Your Community
Like Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth is a great opportunity to serve your local community if you have the day off work! If community cleanup or building projects are part of your service, hiring a Tasker as an extra set of hands is a way to amplify your efforts while supporting the livelihood of a member of your community.
Eat and Love Well
Photo credit: Simon & Schuster
The tradition of celebrating Juneteenth has long centered around heart-centered gatherings and delicious food. Invite your loved ones to a celebration complete with home-cooked food! If you need inspiration for the menu, Watermelon and Red Birds is the first cookbook specifically centered around the jubilee of Juneteenth.
Vote to Uphold the Rights of Black Americans
If you live in a state where Juneteenth is still not observed as a holiday, you can honor Juneteenth by supporting the passing of local legislation that gives state workers time off.
More importantly, Americans nationwide can vote for legislation that protects the rights of your Black community members.
Take the Day Off
If you have the option of taking the day off, do it! Observing the Juneteenth holiday—whether or not your state or company does so—is a way to show your solidarity.
