The Minisink Valley School District will be closed on Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth.

Gov. Cuomo signed legislation designating Juneteenth as an official public holiday in New York State on Oct. 20. 2020.

The official date of the Juneteenth holiday is annually on June 19; however, since June 19 is a Saturday, it will be observed on Friday, June 18.

Juneteenth commemorates the end to slavery and celebrates Black and African American freedom and achievements, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the news of liberation came to Texas more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863.