NORFOLK, Va. — On Tuesday, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced he planned to introduce legislation that would make Juneteenth a state holiday.
That's to commemorate June 19, 1865 - the date former slaves in Texas first heard that they had been emancipated by a proclamation from Abraham Lincoln, about two and a half years earlier.
During Northam's news conference, he said the state had recognized this anniversary before with proclamations, but it was time "to do more." This is the first year that some state executive workers will get a paid day off on June 19 to commemorate the anniversary.
Here are some closures to know about in Hampton Roads:
Chesapeake
All city offices, libraries, community centers, and the Chesapeake Visitor Center will be closed. Trash and recycling collection will be moved to Saturday, June 20.
All Chesapeake courts will remain OPEN.
City facilities will return to their COVID-19 partial opening schedules on Saturday, June 20.
Gloucester
On Thursday, Gloucester County's government posted on Facebook that its offices would close for the holiday.
There was no additional information on trash pickup services, but the post detailed that the registrar's office would be open on Saturday for the last day of in-person primary absentee voting.
Hampton
Hampton City Hall and most city services and buildings will be closed Friday, June 19.
In a message Wednesday to city employees, City Manager Mary Bunting said: "City Council has concurred with my recommendation that we designate this Friday, June 19, 2020, as a paid Administrative/Bonus day so that we can collectively commemorate this important part of our history. We felt strongly about affirming the significance of this day for our citizens and employees."
James City County
James City County staff are taking a paid holiday Friday to remember Juneteenth.
"As one of the places where slavery began in our country, it is fitting that James City County should take this important step to recognize the end of that terrible portion of our nation’s past," wrote a spokesperson. "We hope that by observing this important holiday, we can embrace a more inclusive view of our history and celebrate independence for all."
A release from the county said most city services and buildings will be shut down, but these will remain open:
- James City County Recreation Center
- Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
- Parks (Visit the website for details)
- Convenience Centers and Garbage Transfer Station
- Voter Registration and Elections office
Newport News
On Thursday, Newport News announced its offices and facilities would close for Juneteenth on Friday.
"While Newport News does not follow the state holiday schedule and instead specifies city holidays in the City Code, City Council has agreed to close city offices on Friday to commemorate this important day in our nation’s history," wrote a spokesperson.
This excludes the Voter Registrar's Office, where people can vote absentee for the Republican Primary on Friday, and the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, which will be open from noon until 5 p.m.
There weren't any trash routes planned for Friday, so the city noted the normal pickup schedule will continue unaffected.
Norfolk
Mayor Kenneth Alexander announced Wednesday that on June 19, all Norfolk city offices will be closed.
Waste collection scheduled for Friday will be moved to Saturday. Ocean View beach ambassadors will not be working Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
"Norfolk City Council will vote to declare Juneteenth a permanent city holiday on Tuesday, June 23," wrote Alexander.
Portsmouth
Municipal offices of the City of Portsmouth will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday on Friday, June 19. All City offices, libraries, museums, and recreation centers are currently closed to the public due to the impacts of COVID-19.
There will be no trash, bulk, or recycling collections on Friday, June 19th. All Friday routes will be collected on Saturday, June 20th. Please place all items for collection away from vehicles and other objects. For more information, please call the Division of Waste Management at 393-8663.
Suffolk
Suffolk said that the city offices which have reopened since COVID-19 regulations began to lift will be closed Friday to observe Juneteenth.
The city's main parks, Lone Star Lakes, Constant’s Wharf, Sleepy Hole, and Bennett's Creek, will stay open for guests but will not have workers on site.
Trash services will be pushed back to Saturday in honor of the holiday.
Virginia Beach
Mayor Bobby Dyer announced that Friday, June19 will be a city holiday.
“The City of Virginia Beach recognizes the significance of Juneteenth – commemorating the freedom of African Americans in our country - and joins with our community to reflect and celebrate the enduring promise that all are, indeed, created equal,” Mayor Dyer said in a news release.
Most city offices and facilities will be closed. The following state offices will also be closed:
- Virginia Beach Health Department
- Voter Registrar’s Office—closed Friday, open Saturday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the final day of absentee voting for the Tuesday, June 23 Republican Party Primary
The following city facilities will be OPEN:
- All Virginia Beach city parks and park facilities – 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. COVID-related closures of certain park amenities remain in place. Visit VBgov.com/parks for FAQs and more information.
- All Virginia Beach Courts and Clerk’s Offices
- The Virginia Aquarium will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online at https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com
- Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Virginia Beach Farmers Market Merchants – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, Friday’s trash, yard waste, and bulky Item collection has been canceled for Friday, June 19, but will instead be collected on Saturday, June 20. There will be normal recycling services on Friday.
Landfill and Resource Recovery Center will be closed Friday reopen on Saturday, June 20, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg's city offices will also be closed to observe the anniversary of this emancipation announcement.
The closure won't affect trash or emergency services. Parks will stay open, but offer limited services on June 19.
"The City urges the community to celebrate the holiday in a manner consistent with the Governor’s restrictions on social gatherings during Phase 2 of Forward Virginia, the Governor’s reopening plan," wrote a city spokesperson.
