Gov. Patrick Morrisey has signed a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Day in West Virginia, recognizing the historic end of slavery in the United States and encouraging West Virginians to reflect on the enduring importance of freedom.
“Juneteenth marks a significant chapter in our nation’s history and serves as a reminder that the promise of liberty must extend to every American,” Morrisey said in an announcement distributed by his office.
“West Virginia has its own important place in that history, having abolished slavery before the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of liberty.”
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. However, in Texas, which had few Union troops, enslaved people remained in bondage for another two and a half years
Today, the date is a federal holiday celebrating freedom, resilience and Black history. Juneteenth — a blend of “June” and “nineteenth” — is also historically referred to as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Black Independence Day. Communities celebrate with parades, family gatherings, historical readings, and cookouts.
In Charleston, a parade is planned for 11:30 a.m. today at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. and the route will travel through Charleston and end at Slack Plaza.
Following the parade, a community festival will be at Slack Plaza from 12 to 4 p.m. Live entertainment, educational exhibits, food vendors and family-friendly activities are planned for the afternoon.
Bluefield will have a two-day event featuring a free film screening of “Sarah’s Oil” at 7:30 p.m. today at the Granada Theater and a Saturday festival on Raleigh Street featuring live music, food trucks and a talent extravaganza.
Wheeling will have a 4 p.m. Juneteenth ceremony at Market Plaza followed by live music performances at 5 p.m. A Juneteenth R&B Brunch will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Wheeling Artisan Center, blending cultural celebration with an interactive R&B experience, games and a buffet.
Morrisey’s administration highlighted that West Virginia also played a notable role in the nation’s journey toward freedom. On Feb. 3, 1865, the state enacted legislation abolishing slavery, months before the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified later that year.
The governor encouraged all West Virginians to observe Juneteenth “by reflecting on our shared history and the enduring values of freedom, justice, and opportunity that unite us as Americans.”