Some NC state employees get Juneteenth off. Here’s who gets a paid holiday
Juneteenth is an annual holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Its name comes from “June 19th,” as it was this date in 1865 that all enslaved people were informed of their freedom. Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day.
Juneteenth, which falls on the same day every year, is now a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed this legislation in 2021.
But this doesn’t mean all government employees across the country automatically get a paid day off.
This year, at least 28 states recognize Juneteenth as an official public holiday, granting state employees a paid off day, according to the nonprofit Pew Research Center.
In North Carolina, some state government workers are eligible to take the day off using eight hours of personal leave. If they choose to work Juneteenth, they can take another day off instead.
Here’s what to know.
Which state employees in NC get a paid day off for Juneteenth?
Last year, Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order designating an additional paid holiday for select state employees. This was granted to “the Office of the Governor and Cabinet Agencies,” as well as other select state agencies, the order says.
These employees can take off with pay on Juneteenth or another day of their choosing that recognizes “cultural, religious or personal significance.”
Cabinet Agencies include the departments of:
Administration
Adult Correction
Commerce
Environmental Quality
Health and Human Services
Information Technology
Military and Veterans Affairs
Natural and Cultural Resources
Office of State Human Resources
Public Safety
Revenue
Transportation
These agencies have also opted to provide personal observance leave to their employees in 2023, NC Office of State Human Resources communications director Jill Lucas told The N&O:
All universities in the UNC System
Secretary of State
State Bureau of Investigation
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
State Board of Elections
Office of State Controller
Department of Justice
Department of Public Instruction
Community College System Office
Office of State Auditor
Industrial Commission
NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Department of Labor
Executive Order 262 provides “up to eight hours of fully paid leave for any single shift or calendar day to eligible state agency employees for a day of observance to use on a day that is important to them, their family or their community,” Lucas said.
Eligible employees can take this leave on Juneteenth, or it can be reserved for another day of religious or cultural importance.
The legislation encourages, but does not require, state agencies aside from Cabinet Agencies to follow the executive order.
You can read the legislation in full at governor.nc.gov/executive-order-no-262.
How can employees in NC request a paid day off for Juneteenth?
Eligible state employees can follow the typical protocol when requesting PTO.
“Employees should request the use of personal observance leave like any other leave request, to their supervisor and preferably with at least two weeks’ notice. Employees do not need to state the nature of their observance,” Lucas said.
“It is not unusual for requests with less notice to be approved. An employee should make the request to their supervisor as soon as feasible.”
Do City of Raleigh, Durham employees get Juneteenth off?
• Raleigh: Juneteenth is an official holiday in the City of Raleigh, proclaimed by the City Council in 2020, said spokesperson Julia Milstead. All regular full-time employees receive holiday pay for the observance date.
• Durham: Juneteenth is a paid holiday in the City of Durham, and most city employees have the day off. Unusual circumstances, such as main water breaks or severe weather, may require some to work, said spokesperson Beverly Thompson.
Waste collectors in the downtown business district are paid overtime and often volunteer to work that day. But residential garbage collections are not scheduled on Juneteenth.
NC’s Juneteenth history
North Carolina first recognized Juneteenth as an observance in 2007. It was the 26th state to do so, according to the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission.
In his executive order last year, Cooper encouraged Juneteenth observance “to reflect, rejoice and plan for a brighter future as we continue to address racial injustices in our society.”
Last year, since Juneteenth fell on a Sunday, the federal holiday was observed on Monday, June 20.
Juneteenth celebrations in Raleigh, Durham
This year, many Triangle towns and cities are putting on their own Juneteenth festivals and celebrations.
You can find a full list at.newsobserver.com/news. But to name a few:
Raleigh: Juneteenth Family Day at the Park
When: June 17 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Dorothea Dix Park, Harvey Hill & All Faiths Chapel
Info: Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a day of music, food, guest speakers, kids’ activities and exhibits at the park to celebrate freedom. The event kicks off with a Canon Salute featuring United States Colored Troops reenactors. A full schedule of guests and speakers is at juneteenthraleigh.org.
Durham: The 18th annual Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 17-18
Where: Golden Belt Campus, 800 Taylor St., Downtown Durham
Info: The celebration spans over two days in the Golden Belt Campus. Festivities include local performers, food and merchandise, a health fair, kid’s activities, and a fashion show. More information is at tricafoundation.org.
Chapel Hill/Carrboro: The third annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Festival
When: June 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson St., Chapel Hill
Info: This year’s festival includes a historic marker dedication for the Hargraves Community Center, which was marked as a sport on North Carolina Civil Rights Trail. An estimated 4,000 people attended last year’s event and a large crowd is expected back this year. You can find more information about parking and information at chapelhillcarrborojuneteenth.com.
The N&O’s Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan and Kristen Johnson contributed to this report.
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