W.Va. Recognizes Juneteenth As Officials Call For State Holiday

Thursday is June 19th, more commonly known as Juneteenth, a day to recognize the end of slavery in the United States. 

From Shepherdstown to Huntington, celebrations statewide recognized the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to let people enslaved there know that they were free.

“That day became an annual celebration … a day to be celebrated by all who recognize the importance of freedom,” said Yvonne Jones, a member of the Greenbrier County Juneteenth Steering Committee.

The committee, in partnership with the Greenbrier Historical Society, this year hosted the county’s first Juneteenth celebration, which organizers hope will become an annual event. 

The Post Office, banks and some courthouses were closed in observance of the federal holiday. But state offices in West Virginia were open this year.

Del. Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha, said in 2026 he would again introduce a bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

“I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this measure. And I call all West Virginians to call, write nag, get on their nerves, to your representatives and tell them you want to see this an official state holiday,” said Lewis.  

“West Virginia has a proud founding as a free state during the Civil War and was built upon the principles of freedom and liberty,” said Gov. Patrick Morrisey in a statement released from his office.

He issued a proclamation to commemorate Juneteenth and said it serves as a reminder that all should be treated equally under the eyes of God and the law.