June 18, 2025 3;50 a.m.

Thursday will be Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.

It is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19th, marking the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth has been a federal holiday since 2021, when legislation was signed by President Joe Biden. Oregon has recognized the holiday since 2013.

In Douglas County, Juneteenth will be observed by the city governments of Sutherlin and Myrtle Creek. Roseburg and Winston city offices, along with the county government, do not observe the day and will be open as usual.