Americans celebrate Juneteenth, nation’s newest federal holiday
President Joe Biden signed legislation two years ago making Juneteenth, or June 19, our newest federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery. For the third year in a row, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has authorized state employees to also take the day off since it’s designated at the federal level. Post offices, government buildings, courthouses, and many schools will be closed today. Most private businesses will be open, but there are exceptions, so call first before making plans. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas — two months after the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia had surrendered. That was also about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states. Since Texas was not a major area of operations for the invading Union Army, Texas slaves had not been informed that they were free until the invasion of Texas in the closing days of the war. Slavery was formally abolished in all of the United States with the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on December 6, 1865. Observed on June 19, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States and commemorates the day that the news of its abolition reached slaves in Galveston, Texas, in 1965. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day. The bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday passed unanimously in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Biden. “Juneteenth is, above all, a celebration of Black freedom,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07). “It is long past time for the federal government to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday,” Sewell said when the legislation was passed into law. “I was so proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation and even prouder to cast my vote for it today. Black Americans have continued to face systemic racism since we were recognized as full citizens more than 100 years ago. While this is a significant and symbolic step, we must fully grapple with the injustices of our country’s history, including the continued assault on Black Americans’ right to vote, before achieving true justice. Now is a time to recommit ourselves to that critical work and see to it that our Nation lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.” The Confederate government of Texas did not announce to slaves that the Union had freed them. Following General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, and General Joseph Johnston’s surrender on April 26 (celebrated annually to this day in Alabama as Confederate Memorial Day), the Union turned its attention to the remaining Confederates in Texas. Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi division, did not agree to surrender his army until May 26, 1865, when his second in command agreed to terms in negotiations in New Orleans. Smith’s army in Galveston did not lay down their arms until June 2. Gen. Kirby Smith fled the country to Mexico and then Cuba. He returned to Virginia in November 1865 to sign an amnesty oath. The Union transported an entire army to Texas to occupy the state. It was only on June 19, 1865, that most Texas slaves learned that they had been freed. “To me, making Juneteenth a federal holiday wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. It was a statement of fact for this country to acknowledge the origin of — original sin of slavery,” said President Biden. “To understand the war [that] was never fought over it — it wasn’t just about a Union, but it was most fundamentally about the country and freedom.” “To remember the Emancipation Proclamation wasn’t just a document. It captured the essence of freedom that galvanized the country. It proved that some ideas are more powerful; they can’t be denied,” Biden continued. “It’s a reminder that the promise of America is we all are created equal in the image of God, and we deserve to be treated equally throughout our entire lives. We’re the most unique country in Amer- — in the world. Other countries are founded based on faith, on ethnicity, on other things — religion. But we — we are founded on an idea. An idea unlike any other country in the world, that we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. While we’ve never fully lived up to that promise, we’ve never walked away from it either. On our best days, enough of us have the guts and the heart to stand up for the best in us. It matters. It really matters.” “Juneteenth, as a federal holiday, is meant to breathe new life into the very essence of America — to make sure all Americans feel the power of this day and the progress we can make as a country; to choose love over hate, unity over disunion, and progress over retreat,” Biden continued. Choosing to remember history, not erase it; to read books, not ban them — no matter how hard some people try. That’s what’s great about it. That’s what great nations do. And we’re a great nation.” The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a good venue for families to learn about the history of slavery and civil rights. BCRI celebrated Juneteenth on Saturday with performers and a cookout, but usually, BCRI is closed on Mondays. For most Alabamians, this is a festive time of year with many holidays. The unofficial start of Summer begins in late May with Memorial Day. Two weeks ago, state employees got another three-day weekend celebrating Jefferson Davis’s birthday. Now federal and state workers have today off for Juneteenth. The Fourth of July, the Independence Day holiday, is just two weeks away. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Juneteenth marked as state holiday in Alabama this year
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has authorized Juneteenth Day — the federal holiday marking the end of slavery — as a holiday for state workers this year in Alabama. Ivey issued a memo earlier this month authorizing the day as a holiday for state workers. State offices will be closed on June 20 for the holiday. Juneteenth, or June 19, falls on a Sunday this year, so the holiday will be recognized the following Monday. President Joe Biden signed legislation last year to make Juneteenth, or June 19, a federal holiday to recognize the end of slavery. Ivey authorized the holiday for state employees since it’s designated at the federal level, spokeswoman Gina Maiola wrote in an email. “However, it is important to remember that ultimately the Legislature must decide if this will become a permanent state holiday,” Maiola wrote. Alabama law recognizes all other national holidays in the state as permanent state holidays, with the exception of Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas — two months after the Confederacy had surrendered. That was also about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states. Alabama has three state Confederate-related holidays that close state offices for the day. Alabama marks Confederate Memorial Day in April and the birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in June. The state jointly observes Robert E. Lee Day with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January. There have been various efforts to abolish or change the name of Confederate-related holidays, but none has been successful. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama city adds Juneteenth as holiday for its employees
An Alabama city is giving its employees an additional paid holiday after its City Council voted to recognize Juneteenth. The holiday marks June 19, 1865, when federal troops entered Galveston, Texas, some two months after the Civil War ended. The day, also known as “Freedom Day,” was established to mark the end of slavery in the country. Prattville City Council District 2 Councilman Marcus Jackson, the sole Black member on the panel, lobbied for the recognition. Ideas ranged from a city-sponsored event to a holiday, The Montgomery Advertiser reported. “It’s a good day in Prattville,” Jackson said. “I’m very appreciative that the City Council passed the resolution unanimously. Having the paid holiday is important because it marks a day when a large group of Americans learned about their freedom. It is our shared history, as Americans. “We have made great progress since then. But we still have to work on our efforts to ensure diversity and inclusivity. Having this paid holiday can help keep a spotlight on those efforts.” Juneteenth became a federal holiday this year after President Joe Biden signed an executive order. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey followed by making it a state holiday. Ivey’s move was made just before June 19. Most local governments follow the state’s holiday schedule, which provides for 14 paid holidays for state employees. Prattville Council President Jerry Starnes sponsored the move to add Juneteenth to Prattville’s holiday list. “I think it is important to observe an important day in history,” he said. “I thought the actions making it a holiday this year were a little quick. We really didn’t have any time to prepare. The council sets the holidays when we approve the budget. So this gives us plenty of time ahead of next year.” Prattville gives employees 12 holidays a year now, including one personal day taken at the employees’ request. At one time, Prattville followed the state holiday schedule, but things have changed. About five years ago, Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. did away with the federal holidays of Presidents’ Day and Columbus Day. In their place employees were given the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve as holidays. Earlier, former Mayor Jim Byard Jr. ended Confederate Memorial Day and Jefferson Davis’s Birthday. He did not replace those paid days off. The only Confederate-related holiday Prattville recognizes is the combined Martin Luther King Jr./ Robert E. Lee birthdays. Other local governments also recognized Juneteenth this year, including the City of Montgomery and the Autauga County Commission, which follow the state holiday schedule. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Jim Zeigler opposed to Kay Ivey’s last-minute declaration of paid state holiday for Friday
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday that state offices will be closed on Friday, June 18, to recognize the newly created federal holiday for Juneteenth, reported WKRG. The House voted 415-14 Wednesday to make Juneteenth, or June 19th, the 12th federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed the bill today. Jim Zeigler is opposed to the declaration by Ivey, saying it’s “political game-playing at its worst.” Ivey made a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth last week, on June 10, stating it was to “recognize the painful origins of this significant day and to promote healing and unity.” Juneteenth is Saturday, June 19, a day that state workers already have off, Zeigler argues. He also stated that the cost alone would be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and that only the Alabama Legislature has the authority to declare state holidays. Zeigler stated, “This is a most un-businesslike way to run a state government. The Ivey move was totally political to get brownie points with state workers.”
Congress approves bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday; Mo Brooks and Mike Rogers voted against
The United States will soon have a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the nation. The House voted 415-14 Wednesday to make Juneteenth, or June 19th, the 12th federal holiday. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk, and he is expected to sign it into law. Juneteenth commemorates the day the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free. Confederate soldiers surrendered in April 1865, but word didn’t reach the last enslaved Black people until June 19, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston, Texas. That was also about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states. It’s the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983. “Our federal holidays are purposely few in number and recognize the most important milestones,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. “I cannot think of a more important milestone to commemorate than the end of slavery in the United States.” Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, speaking next to a large poster of a Black man whose back bore massive scarring from being whipped, said she would be in Galveston this Saturday to celebrate along with Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. “Can you imagine?” said the rather short Jackson Lee. “I will be standing maybe taller than Sen. Cornyn; forgive me for that because it will be such an elevation of joy.” The Senate passed the bill a day earlier under a unanimous consent agreement that expedites the process for considering legislation. It takes just one senator’s objection to block such agreements. “Please, let us do as the Senate. Vote unanimously for passage,” Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., pleaded with his colleagues. The vote comes as lawmakers struggle to overcome divisions on police reform legislation following the killing of George Floyd by police and as Republican state legislators push what experts say is an unprecedented number of bills aimed at restricting access to the ballot box. While Republicans say the goal is to prevent voter fraud, Democrats contend that the measures are aimed at undermining minority voting rights. Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus took to the floor to speak in favor of the bill. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., said she viewed Juneteenth as a commemoration rather than a celebration because it represented something that was delayed in happening. “It also reminds me of what we don’t have today,” she said. “And that is full access to justice, freedom, and equality. All these are often in short supply as it relates to the Black community.” The bill was sponsored by Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and had 60 co-sponsors. Democratic leaders moved quickly to bring the bill to the House floor after the Senate’s vote the day before. Some Republican lawmakers opposed the effort. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., said creating the federal holiday was an effort to celebrate “identity politics.” “Since I believe in treating everyone equally, regardless of race, and that we should be focused on what unites us rather than our differences, I will vote no,” he said in a press release. The vast majority of states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or have an official observance of the day, and most states hold celebrations. Juneteenth is a paid holiday for state employees in Texas, New York, Virginia, and Washington. Under the legislation, the federal holiday would be known as Juneteenth National Independence Day. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., said that he would vote for the bill and that he supported the establishment of a federal holiday, but he was upset that the name of the holiday included the word “independence” rather than “emancipation.” “Why would the Democrats want to politicize this by co-opting the name of our sacred holiday of Independence Day?” Higgins asked. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., replied, “I want to say to my white colleagues on the other side: Getting your independence from being enslaved in a country is different from a country getting independence to rule themselves.” She added: “We have a responsibility to teach every generation of Black and white Americans the pride of a people who have survived, endured, and succeeded in these United States of America despite slavery.” The 14 House Republicans who voted against the bill were Andy Biggs of Arizona, Mo Brooks of Alabama, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Ronny Jackson of Texas, Doug LaMalfa of California, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom McClintock of California, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Mike Rogers of Alabama, Rosendale of Montana, Chip Roy of Texas, and Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin.
SPLC calls legislation to recognize Juneteenth as federal holiday ‘long overdue’
A group of Senators on Friday announced legislation to make Juneteenth — a day to celebrate freedom in the Black community — a federal holiday. Later that day, the Montgomery-based Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced its support of the bill calling it “long overdue.” “The national recognition of Juneteenth is long overdue,” said SPLC Action Fund President and Chief Executive Officer Margaret Huang. “We welcome the introduction of this bill to commemorate Juneteenth, a day that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Its introduction this year highlights the demands of protestors for an end to the killings of Black people by police and vigilantes. It is only by acknowledging the scourge of racism throughout our nation’s history that we will be able to move forward together. We urge all members of Congress to support its passage.” Juneteenth is a commemoration of the moment the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865, which was over two years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19, Black people in Galveston, Texas, were notified their freedom had finally been secured.
