For Juneteenth, Framingham Will Close Public Buildings

FRAMINGHAM, MA — For the first time ever, Framingham will officially observe Juneteenth like other state and federal holidays.

The Memorial Building, recycling drop-off center and other nonessential buildings will close Friday in observance. The library will remain open, and the city will still pick up garbage and recycling at the curb as usual.

Juneteenth is being recognized across the nation for the first time this year. Last July, Framingham state Rep. Maria Robinson helped pass a law making the day an official state holiday.

President Joe Biden is expected to make Juneteenth a federal holiday after a law passed by the U.S. House and Senate this week.

Juneteenth, which falls on June 19 this year, has been celebrated by Black communities for more than 100 years. The holiday dates to June 1865, when soldiers with the Union Army reached Texas, freeing the last remaining slaves held by the confederacy — a full two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.