Austin Community College District (ACC) is closed Friday, June 17, in observance of Juneteenth — the national day of recognition for the end of slavery. This will be the first year the college formally observes the holiday with the closure of all ACC District sites.
This decision aligns with the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act — passed by Congress in 2021. The Act designates June 19 as a federal holiday.
ACC has honored Juneteenth since 1974 with both internal and external celebrations including musical performances, cultural awareness talks, guest speakers, and opportunities to showcase the college’s African American Cultural Center.
“ACC has taken the necessary steps to respect the history of Black people, their community, and their culture,” says Darrell Merriweather, Student Affairs Academic Guidance senior advising specialist. “From its beginning, ACC has recognized the importance of Juneteenth because of the involvement of the college in the community and has provided a space for Austin to celebrate the significance.”
The holiday will be automatically represented on all Workday timesheets.
If you have any questions about your timesheet and pay, please contact ACC Payroll Services Manager, Wanda Taylor, at [email protected].
History of Juneteenth
Although President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, news that the war had ended did not reach Texas for another two and a half years. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, that the rest of the country knew that enslaved individuals were now free.
ACC Honors Juneteenth
This year, ACC’s Juneteenth Committee is planning a free community event that will include live performances, games, and more. ACC departments and community organizations will be present to provide resources for the community.
ACC will also participate in Austin’s annual Juneteenth parade. More details on all events are forthcoming.