Rhode Island celebrates Juneteenth

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Today is Juneteenth.

It’s a day set aside to remember the day that came two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when the last remaining slaves in Galveston, Texas learned they were free.

This year is the first year Rhode Island has recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Juneteenth celebrations have been underway since the month began, with concerts, museum exhibitions and more.

But as a federal holiday, you can expect a range of closures and changes to your daily schedule.

Things like banks, the post office, courts, and a majority of state and federal buildings will be closed due to the holiday, while the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority will be operating on a holiday schedule.

All RIPTA offices will be closed, except for the RIde Paratransit Office and customer service kiosk in the Newport Transportation Center.

With the heat wave moving through, several places that serve as cooling centers will be closed, like most of the local libraries.

South Providence and Olneyville will be open for a portion of the day to provide shelter during the heat.

Several events are also set to kick off today, including food events and a celebration tonight, leading up to the festival from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the waterfront park this weekend.

Here are some events happening in Rhode Island this upcoming week: 

United Way Equity Challenge at United Way of Rhode Island, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

First Annual Taste of Juneteenth New England at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A Juneteenth Celebration in Film at 195 District Park, Providence from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

6th Annual R.I. Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 22 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Visit Juneteenth R.I. for more.