Juneteenth will now be recognized as a city holiday at Lake Charles City Hall.

This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States after the Civil War.

At the Lake Charles City Council meeting on Wednesday, the council unanimously voted to add the holiday to the city’s personnel policy manual.

This decision was made with the knowledge that Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

“Lake Charles is a very diverse community and the City of Lake Charles is committed to honoring that diversity,” said John Cardone, city administrator.

With Juneteenth being added as a city holiday, full-time employees will be given a paid day off on Juneteenth each year.

This addition will celebrate the melting pot of city employees. “Our employees, like our community, are a diverse group, representing many races and cultures,” he said. “It is important that we allow employees the opportunity to honor and celebrate what is a historical moment for our country.”

The city said the request will mirror what federal, state and other local governmental bodies that have been implemented by other municipalities in the past few years.

Mark Eckard, District G and council vice-president, moved to amend the change to include Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, as a city holiday, as well.

To celebrate Juneteenth this year, the Juneteenth Freedom Festival will take place in Lake Charles from Friday, June 16, until Monday, June 19, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The festivities will be presented by the SWLA Center for Health Services and is free and open to the public. 

 

All council members were present for the meeting.