Story perspectives

Commissioner Calls Juneteenth “Lie,” Sparks Nationwide Backlash

6/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Larry Pittman, commissioner, called Juneteenth “based on a lie,” drawing criticism.
The United States will observe Juneteenth on June 19, 2026, marking General Gordon Granger’s 1865 emancipation announcement.
The Postal Service, Federal Reserve, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and offices will close on June 19, while UPS and FedEx operate transit times.
Communities host events including a Portsmouth, NH freedom walk, D.C. museum festivals and Houston’s Emancipation Park celebration.

History

Historical Context

After Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and Lee’s April 9, 1865 surrender, Union General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston on June 19, 1865 and issued General Order No. 3, freeing an estimated 250,000 enslaved Texans. The celebration spread nationwide and became the federal Juneteenth holiday in 2021, a political controversy today, recently contested by North Carolina commissioner Larry Pittman.

1 of 2

Story summary

Larry Pittman, commissioner, called Juneteenth “based on a lie,” drawing criticism.
The United States will observe Juneteenth on June 19, 2026, marking General Gordon Granger’s 1865 emancipation announcement.
The Postal Service, Federal Reserve, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and offices will close on June 19, while UPS and FedEx operate transit times.
Communities host events including a Portsmouth, NH freedom walk, D.C. museum festivals and Houston’s Emancipation Park celebration.

1 / 2