THE PASSAIC COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISHES JUNETEENTH AS A PAID HOLIDAY FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES
THE PASSAIC COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISHES JUNETEENTH AS A PAID HOLIDAY FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES
(Passaic County, New Jersey) – On Tuesday, June 14, the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to pass Resolution No. R20211120, declaring paid holiday time off for County employees in recognition of Juneteenth Day on every third Friday of June annually.
In 2020, the County Commissioners established a resolution declaring Juneteenth as a recognized County holiday, in recognition of African American freedom and the abolition of slavery in the United States. “Juneteenth”, a combination of the month of June and the date of the 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in Texas, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas announcing the end of the Civil War and the freedom of the enslaved, creating a day of celebration of freedom.
“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to serve our constituents, and that starts with our county staff and the meaningful policies we set in place. Establishing Juneteenth as a paid holiday, reaffirms our commitment to honoring and celebrating all our individual communities,” stated County Commissioner Director James.
The fight to end slavery was a century long movement. Passaic County has a history of playing an integral role in the Abolitionist Movement, specifically in the City of Paterson, where the Van Rensalier Huntoon House served as a stop on the Underground Railroad to free enslaved peoples.
“Passaic County is one of the most diverse counties in the state. We take pride in having so many communities contributing to our county’s rich history and bright future, especially our African American community. The long-overdue addition of Juneteenth as paid time off for County employees is setting the County in the right direction,” stated County Commissioner Pat Lepore.
