Falcons will observe Juneteenth on Friday
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.
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