On Friday, the New England Patriots joined other NFL teams and players to remember and celebrate the emancipation of slaves in the Confederate States following the end of the Civil War in America.
Given recent civil unrest and protests for African American equality the Patriots chose to publicly recognize the holiday for the first time.
As of 2020, Juneteenth is not a federal holiday but is now observed by 47 of 50 states.
Gillette Stadium and the Patriots closed their doors in observance of the holiday Friday and encouraged all employees to read, reflect, listen and learn to better understand the historical significance of Juneteenth.