The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Freddie O'Connell, Mayor
Executive Order 3
Subject: Juneteenth National Independence Day Designated as Official Metropolitan Government Holiday
WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery in the United States and has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the U.S. since 1865; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth's commemoration occurs on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865 announcement by the Union Army of the order proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas -- the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery -- thereby establishing this date as commemorating the end of slavery; and
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law; and
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2022, the Metropolitan Civil Service Commission amended the Civil Service Rules to add Juneteenth to the list of official Metropolitan Government holidays; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has previously adopted resolutions encouraging recognition of Juneteenth as a local holiday for Metropolitan Government employees; and
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2021, Mayor John Cooper submitted a supplemental budget request to the Metropolitan Council (RS2022-1312) including a $1,500,000 allocation for payroll expenses incurred by adding this holiday, eventually approved overwhelmingly by the Council; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government employs more than 2,700 individuals of African-American descent and/or heritage who have endured the painful legacy of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, formal observation of Juneteenth as a holiday will afford communities throughout Nashville, and employees throughout the Metropolitan Government, the opportunity for historical education, reflection, and commemoration; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that Juneteenth National Independence Day be designated as an official holiday of the Metropolitan Government.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby find, direct, and order the following:
I. June 19 shall be an official holiday of the Metropolitan Government.
II. All employees not in the classified service shall be excused on Juneteenth National Independence Day without charge to leave, except those employees necessary to maintain essential operations of the government and employees of Nashville Electric Service, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Metropolitan Transit Authority, Metropolitan Sports Authority, Metropolitan Hospital Authority, non-professional employees of the Board of Health, and elected officials. I hereby request that Nashville Electric Service, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Metropolitan Transit Authority, Metropolitan Sports Authority, the Metropolitan Hospital Authority, the Board of Health, and elected officials also designate Juneteenth National Independence Day as an official holiday for their respective employees.
III. In the event Juneteenth National Independence Day falls on Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the following Monday by those employees working Monday through Friday. In the event Juneteenth National Independence Day falls on Saturday, the holiday will be observed on the Friday before by those employees working Monday through Friday.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: January 17, 2024
Freddie O’Connell
Metropolitan County Mayor