WKU to close June 21 in observance of new Juneteenth national holiday

Cherry Hall. File photo, Mike Clark/HERALD

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 18, 2021

WKU will be closed on Monday, June 21, in observance of Juneteenth, WKU President Timothy Caboni announced via email Friday morning.

President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a bill making Juneteenth a national holiday. It marks the June 19, 1865 date when federal troops arrives in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

“As we reflect on the importance of ensuring that the promise of freedom is free for all,” Caboni said in the latest Board of Regents meeting. “I encourage everyone in the community to separate from your daily routine, and reflect on the significance of this day so appreciate everybody pausing to reflect on the decision that our Congress and the President announced earlier this week.”