While the White House is just now recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday, June 19 has historically been observed nationwide as a day to commemorate the emancipation of African American victims of chattel slavery in the United States.
US President Joe Biden on Thursday signed the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act,” officially establishing Juneteenth – June 19 – as a federal holiday in the US.
“I regret that my grandchildren aren’t here, because this is a really, really, really important moment in our history,” Biden said prior to signing the bill into law.
The June 19 holiday, aptly dubbed ‘Juneteenth National Independence Day,’ comes as the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 17 – was established in 1983.
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” the order read. “This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
The move came about after the Emancipation Proclamation, and ended the legal practice of slavery in the state of Texas.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden announced on Twitter that she was “so proud” of her husband’s action.
Many of those against making Juneteenth a federal holiday are lawmakers representing southern states, including Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL).
Brooks asserted in a recent statement that his ‘no’ vote was not in opposition of the commemoration of the freeing of enslaved Africans in the US.
“He would also prefer that another federal holiday be eliminated to offset the $1 billion price tag associated with giving federal workers the day off,” the spokesperson added.
Due to Juneteenth falling on a Saturday this year, federal employees will receive paid time off for Friday, June 18, this year, according to the US Office of Personnel Management. Government offices will also be closed for the day.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
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