Don’t get caught off guard this Juneteenth—Find out which important services are open before you make plans!
- Replies 0
Juneteenth is just around the corner, and as more Americans embrace this important day, it’s not just about celebration—it’s also about a little bit of planning.
Whether you’re hoping to send a birthday card, deposit a check, or just run your usual errands, knowing what’s open (and what’s not) on June 19th can save you a world of frustration.
Here at The GrayVine, we’re all about helping you stay one step ahead—so let’s break down what Juneteenth means, which services are affected, and how you can plan for a smooth, stress-free holiday.
A Brief History: Why Juneteenth Matters
First, a quick refresher. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or America’s Second Independence Day, commemorates a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were finally free.
Over 250,000 Black Americans in Texas learned of their freedom that day, marking the true end of slavery in the United States.
Today, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, celebration, and community. Families gather for barbecues, parades, and music. It’s a day to honor resilience, progress, and the ongoing journey toward equality.
But as Juneteenth has become a federal holiday (officially recognized in 2021), it also means some of the services we rely on will be taking a well-deserved break.
Banks: Will You Be Able to Make That Deposit?
If you’re planning to visit your local bank branch on Juneteenth, you might want to think again.
The Federal Reserve—the backbone of our banking system—closes for all federal holidays, and most banks and credit unions follow suit. That means:
But don’t worry—technology is your friend! Online banking and ATMs will still be up and running, so you can check balances, transfer funds, and even deposit checks using your bank’s mobile app.
Just remember, any transactions that require a human touch (like wire transfers or in-person assistance) will have to wait until the next business day.
Pro tip: If you have bills to pay or checks to deposit, try to get those errands done by Wednesday, June 18th. That way, you won’t be caught in a post-holiday backlog.
Post Offices: Will Your Mail Arrive?
If you’re hoping to send a package or receive important mail, here’s what you need to know:
If you have time-sensitive mail, get it out before the holiday. And if you’re expecting a delivery, check your tracking info—most regular mail will be delayed by a day.
What About UPS and FedEx?
Here’s some good news for those last-minute shippers:
Other Closures to Keep in Mind
Juneteenth is a federal holiday, so you’ll see other closures, too:
Read next: Something big is happening at the banks—and it’s not just business as usual
Have you experienced any surprises with holiday closures in the past? Do you have tips for planning ahead, or favorite Juneteenth traditions to share? We’d love to hear from you! Drop your stories, questions, or advice in the comments below!
Whether you’re hoping to send a birthday card, deposit a check, or just run your usual errands, knowing what’s open (and what’s not) on June 19th can save you a world of frustration.
Here at The GrayVine, we’re all about helping you stay one step ahead—so let’s break down what Juneteenth means, which services are affected, and how you can plan for a smooth, stress-free holiday.
A Brief History: Why Juneteenth Matters
First, a quick refresher. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or America’s Second Independence Day, commemorates a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were finally free.
Over 250,000 Black Americans in Texas learned of their freedom that day, marking the true end of slavery in the United States.
Today, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, celebration, and community. Families gather for barbecues, parades, and music. It’s a day to honor resilience, progress, and the ongoing journey toward equality.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the US and is now a recognized federal holiday, impacting public services across the country. Image source: Liam Kevan / Unsplash.
But as Juneteenth has become a federal holiday (officially recognized in 2021), it also means some of the services we rely on will be taking a well-deserved break.
Banks: Will You Be Able to Make That Deposit?
If you’re planning to visit your local bank branch on Juneteenth, you might want to think again.
The Federal Reserve—the backbone of our banking system—closes for all federal holidays, and most banks and credit unions follow suit. That means:
- Most major banks (like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank) will be closed on June 19th.
- Local credit unions and community banks are also likely to close their doors.
- Wall Street and the stock market will be taking the day off, too.
But don’t worry—technology is your friend! Online banking and ATMs will still be up and running, so you can check balances, transfer funds, and even deposit checks using your bank’s mobile app.
Just remember, any transactions that require a human touch (like wire transfers or in-person assistance) will have to wait until the next business day.
Pro tip: If you have bills to pay or checks to deposit, try to get those errands done by Wednesday, June 18th. That way, you won’t be caught in a post-holiday backlog.
Post Offices: Will Your Mail Arrive?
If you’re hoping to send a package or receive important mail, here’s what you need to know:
- All USPS post offices will be closed on Juneteenth.
- There will be no regular residential or business mail delivery.
- Priority Mail Express is the exception—it runs 365 days a year, so urgent deliveries will still make it through.
If you have time-sensitive mail, get it out before the holiday. And if you’re expecting a delivery, check your tracking info—most regular mail will be delayed by a day.
What About UPS and FedEx?
Here’s some good news for those last-minute shippers:
- UPS will remain open on Juneteenth, with normal pickup and delivery services.
- FedEx will also keep its locations open and continue regular operations.
Other Closures to Keep in Mind
Juneteenth is a federal holiday, so you’ll see other closures, too:
- Public schools and many college campuses
- State and municipal offices (including the DMV)
- Courts and some public pools
- Trash and recycling collection may be delayed
- Some gyms, stores, and restaurants (especially local businesses) may close or have reduced hours
Read next: Something big is happening at the banks—and it’s not just business as usual
Have you experienced any surprises with holiday closures in the past? Do you have tips for planning ahead, or favorite Juneteenth traditions to share? We’d love to hear from you! Drop your stories, questions, or advice in the comments below!
