Juneteenth officially named a city holiday in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Common Council unanimously agreed on Monday to make Juneteenth an official city holiday.

With this decision, June 19 will now become a paid day off for all city staff and employees of South Bend.

City officials estimate that this move will cost South Bend $15,000 to $20,000 a year for additional overtime and holiday pay made for Juneteenth.

“I would encourage all of our citizens to partake in all the activities that will be held within our city. It’s a time to recognize some past struggles, but it’s always a time to recognize the progress that has been made,” said Karen White, a South Bend Common Council member.

Juneteenth marks the tenth official paid holiday for the City of South Bend.