STAFF REPORT
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WILMER – On Jan. 19, the Wilmer City Council voted unanimously to establish Juneteenth as an officially recognized holiday in the city to be observed on Monday, June 19.
“The city acknowledges the importance of recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday, and I encourage the community to learn more about African-American resilience, culture, and history,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta.
“Also, it is imperative to have our staff have the opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth with their families and friends.”
The city currently has 10 paid holidays per year along with two floating holidays for each full-time employee. With this move to name Juneteenth an official holiday, the two floating holidays will now be replaced with both the Juneteenth and Veterans Day holidays, which according to city officials will enhance employee benefits.
It was Texas House Bill 1016, which was passed in the 66th Legislature, Regular Session in 1980 that declared June 19, “Emancipation Day in Texas,” and a legal state holiday.
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Cities across the country now host Juneteenth celebrations to promote knowledge and appreciation of Black American resilience, culture, and history.
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