Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation officially declaring Juneteenth 2023 as a State holiday in West Virginia. Juneteenth is recognized on June 19 each year, and celebrates the end of slavery in the US. The Juneteenth State holiday this year will be a full-day holiday for all state employees. The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on the Kanawha Boulevard lawns of the West Virginia Capitol Complex on Saturday, June 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.