The Atlanta Falcons will make Juneteenth a paid holiday, according to the team.

Falcons employees will have Friday off.

June 19 marks the effective end of slavery in the United States. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War and slavery had ended.

Employees will have the day off to “learn, reflect and serve,” according to a team spokesman.

The NFL announced last week it will close its office Friday for Juneteenth. Nike also will observe Juneteeth as a paid holiday as will the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.

---

The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts:

Can be found on Google, iTunes and TuneIn

For more content about the Atlanta Falcons:

Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC

On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now

Atlanta Falcons coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Have a question? Email me at dledbetter@ajc.com

About the Author

Keep Reading

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (Jason Behnken/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com