EXPLAINER: The story of Juneteenth, the new federal holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

EXPLAINER: The story of Juneteenth, the new federal holiday

Associated Press  

The U.S. government is catching up with Black people who have been commemorating the end of slavery in the United States for generations with a day called “Juneteenth.” President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday that was passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday. The national reckoning over race helped set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since 1983, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created. “In 1776 the country was freed from the British, but the people were not all free,” Dee Evans, national director of communications of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, said in 2019. “June 19, 1865, was actually when the people and the entire country was actually free.” There’s also sentiment to use the day to remember the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the United States — especially in these racially and politically charged days.

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History of this topic

The beginner’s guide to celebrating Juneteenth
6 months ago

The beginner’s guide to celebrating Juneteenth

Associated Press  

For more than one-and-a-half centuries, the Juneteenth holiday has been sacred to many Black communities. People who never gave the June 19 holiday more than a passing thought may be asking themselves, is there a “right” way to celebrate Juneteenth? But for non-Black people, if they could read on this topic and read on Black history beyond Martin Luther King …

What is Juneteenth? Know about federal holiday's origin history, significance and celebrations
6 months ago

What is Juneteenth? Know about federal holiday's origin history, significance and celebrations

Hindustan Times  

Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans, is always observed on June 19 each year. Long a regional holiday in the South, Juneteenth rose in prominence across the country following 2020 protests over the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and other African Americans. It commemorates the day in 1865 - after the …

Editorial: Juneteenth isn’t a holiday just for Black people. Everyone should celebrate freedom
6 months ago

Editorial: Juneteenth isn’t a holiday just for Black people. Everyone should celebrate freedom

LA Times  

Juneteenth is no more a holiday just for Black people than the Fourth of July is a holiday just for white people. 3 telling the people of the westernmost Confederate state that “all slaves are free.” Although the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect in 1863, it couldn’t be implemented until the Civil War ended and Confederate states surrendered. California’s lawmakers …

These House Republicans opposed making Juneteenth a holiday two years ago
1 year, 6 months ago

These House Republicans opposed making Juneteenth a holiday two years ago

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. -Rep Andy Biggs : The former head of the House Freedom Caucus said at …

Americans mark Juneteenth with parties, events and quiet reflection on the end of slavery
1 year, 6 months ago

Americans mark Juneteenth with parties, events and quiet reflection on the end of slavery

Associated Press  

Americans across the country this weekend celebrated Juneteenth, marking the relatively new national holiday with cookouts, parades and other gatherings as they commemorated the end of slavery after the Civil War. “Is #Juneteenth the only federal holiday that some states have banned the teaching of its history and significance?” author Michelle Duster asked on Twitter, referring to measures in Florida, …

A beginner’s guide to Juneteenth: How can all Americans celebrate?
1 year, 6 months ago

A beginner’s guide to Juneteenth: How can all Americans celebrate?

Associated Press  

For more than one-and-a-half centuries, the Juneteenth holiday has been sacred to many Black communities. “It’s where I began to really see Black unity because I realized that that was the one day that African Americans considered ours,” Freeman said. “If I can unite Father’s Day and Juneteenth to be with my family and honor them, that would be wonderful,” …

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday
1 year, 6 months ago

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday

LA Times  

People hold a sign about Juneteenth during a parade in Inglewood in 2021, the year it was made a federal holiday. The U.S. government was slow to embrace the occasion — it was only in 2021 that President Biden signed a bill passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday. It’s a portmanteau blending …

Juneteenth now recognized as a state holiday in Nevada
1 year, 6 months ago

Juneteenth now recognized as a state holiday in Nevada

Associated Press  

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Juneteenth is now a state holiday in Nevada, which is joining a growing number of states including Texas, New York, Virginia and Washington that honor the day when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free. Joe Lombardo signed the bill into law on Thursday, elevating the June 19 holiday from a …

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday
1 year, 6 months ago

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday

Associated Press  

Many Americans are celebrating Juneteenth, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free. And just as many people learn what Juneteenth is all about, the holiday’s traditions are facing new pressures — political rhetoric condemning efforts to teach Americans about the nation’s racial history, companies using the holiday as a …

Juneteenth celebrations emphasize ending racial disparities
2 years, 6 months ago

Juneteenth celebrations emphasize ending racial disparities

Associated Press  

DALLAS — After Opal Lee led hundreds in a walk through her Texas hometown to celebrate Juneteenth this weekend, the 95-year-old Black woman who helped successfully push for the holiday to get national recognition said it’s important that people learn the history behind it. “We need to know so people can heal from it and never let it happen again,” …

Juneteenth as a paid holiday? Some states stall or say no
2 years, 6 months ago

Juneteenth as a paid holiday? Some states stall or say no

LA Times  

Recognition of Juneteenth, the effective end of slavery in the U.S., gained traction after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. That trend infuriates Black leaders and community organizers who view making Juneteenth a paid holiday as the bare minimum state officials can do to help honor an often overlooked and ignored piece of American history. It represents the …

Despite push, states slow to make Juneteenth a paid holiday
2 years, 6 months ago

Despite push, states slow to make Juneteenth a paid holiday

Associated Press  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Recognition of Juneteenth, the effective end of slavery in the U.S., gained traction after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. That trend infuriates Black leaders and community organizers who view making Juneteenth a paid holiday the bare minimum state officials can do to help honor an often overlooked and ignored piece of American history. Bill …

July 4, Juneteenth and the meaning of national holidays
3 years, 5 months ago

July 4, Juneteenth and the meaning of national holidays

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally endorsed the Declaration of Independence. Martin Luther King’s birthday a holiday was so strong that it was signed into law in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, who had opposed the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act in the 1960s and privately believed the late civil rights leader’s standing …

Federal holiday pressures US companies to give Juneteenth off
3 years, 6 months ago

Federal holiday pressures US companies to give Juneteenth off

India TV News  

The declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is putting the pressure on more US companies to give their employees the day off, accelerating a movement that took off last year in response to the racial justice protests that swept the country. But since many workers don't know that, they will likely wonder why they are not getting a paid …

Why we need a Juneteenth holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

Why we need a Juneteenth holiday

Al Jazeera  

This holiday provides Americans with an opportunity to look at history from the point of view of the oppressed. Given Bethanien’s long history as a hub of progressive politics, it was a fitting place for people to celebrate Black American liberation. Activists not only demand the nation at large to acknowledge the legacy of slavery and the psychological, material and …

Explainer: With US Prez Joe Biden declaring 19 June a federal holiday, understanding the significance of Juneteenth
3 years, 6 months ago

Explainer: With US Prez Joe Biden declaring 19 June a federal holiday, understanding the significance of Juneteenth

Firstpost  

The vast majority of states recognise Juneteenth as a holiday or a day of recognition, like Flag Day, and most states hold celebrations. This year on 17 June, United States President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris signed a bill into law declaring 19 June as a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of the Black Americans and the end …

Black Americans laud Juneteenth holiday, say more work ahead
3 years, 6 months ago

Black Americans laud Juneteenth holiday, say more work ahead

India TV News  

Black Americans rejoiced Thursday after President Joe Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday, but some said that, while they appreciated the recognition at a time of racial reckoning in America, more is needed to change policies that disadvantage too many of their brethren. Grant said she was delighted by the quick vote this week by Congress to make Juneteenth a …

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday. Many Americans still get the history wrong
3 years, 6 months ago

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday. Many Americans still get the history wrong

LA Times  

President Biden hands a pen to Rep. Barbara Lee during the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in the East Room of the White House. The holiday is about the moment on June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger told Texans that the Civil War was over and shared news of emancipation, reading aloud an order …

This Juneteenth, "Atlanta" will give you all the insights you need on how America co-opts a holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

This Juneteenth, "Atlanta" will give you all the insights you need on how America co-opts a holiday

Salon  

On Thursday President Biden officially established Juneteenth as a federal holiday, an achievement born of rare unanimous support in the Senate and an overwhelming majority of votes in favor in the House of Representatives. But to truly understand why the initialy response to the bill passing the Senate was mixed, to put it mildly, it's best to revisit the "Atlanta" …

Opinion: Don’t get comfortable after getting Juneteenth holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

Opinion: Don’t get comfortable after getting Juneteenth holiday

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Mara Schiavocampo is a four-time Emmy Award winning TV journalist and host of the Run Tell This podcast. It’s Juneteenth AND end police violence + the War on Drugs…It’s Juneteenth AND teach the truth about white supremacy in our country.” It’s an old game, treating Black people like cats with a laser pointer. But why is it that …

Juneteenth is in its 156th year. Many Americans are just beginning to celebrate it
3 years, 6 months ago

Juneteenth is in its 156th year. Many Americans are just beginning to celebrate it

LA Times  

Sam Collins III, left, and others celebrate at the Juneteenth historical marker in Galveston, Texas, after President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021. “I had no idea it was our Independence Day.” This year, Whitehead, who now lives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and runs a fashion label for Black women, is giving …

Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden signed legislation Thursday establishing a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, saying he believes it will go down as one of the greatest honors he has as president. “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 …

US Congress votes to make Juneteenth, end of slavery, a holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

US Congress votes to make Juneteenth, end of slavery, a holiday

Raw Story  

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to create a federal holiday commemorating Juneteenth, which until now has been the unofficial fete marking the end of slavery in the United States. Most US states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or officially observe the day, but the bill passed by Congress would make Juneteenth the 12th US federal holiday -- and …

Congress approves bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

Congress approves bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States will soon have a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery. “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, …

The story of Juneteenth, the new U.S. federal holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

The story of Juneteenth, the new U.S. federal holiday

LA Times  

President Joe Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Washington. The term Juneteenth is a blend of the words “June” and “nineteenth.” The holiday has also been called Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day. The national reckoning over race in the last year helped set the …

Juneteenth national holiday is now US law, marks end of slavery
3 years, 6 months ago

Juneteenth national holiday is now US law, marks end of slavery

Al Jazeera  

Long drive to make June 19 a national holiday succeeds amid the US’s new reckoning with its history of racism. President Joe Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States as the nation continues enacting change amid a racial reckoning. “Today we consecrate Juneteenth for what it ought to be, …

Senate approves bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

Senate approves bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would make Juneteenth, or June 19th, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. “Making Juneteenth a federal holiday is a major step forward to recognize the wrongs of the past,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “But we must continue to work to ensure equal …

US Congress votes to make ‘Juneteenth’ a federal holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

US Congress votes to make ‘Juneteenth’ a federal holiday

Al Jazeera  

Congress sends a bill to President Biden making June 19 a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US. The United States Congress passed a bill on Wednesday to make Juneteenth, or June 19, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the country. Known as The US’s “Second Independence Day”, Juneteenth is a major holiday for …

Illinois Legislature approves Juneteenth as a state holiday
3 years, 6 months ago

Illinois Legislature approves Juneteenth as a state holiday

Associated Press  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois is closer to making Juneteenth a state holiday. Legislation making June 19 a paid day off for all state employees and a school holiday was unanimously approved by the Illinois House last week and by the state Senate last month. Juneteenth commemorates the date in 1865 when the last enslaved Black people in the U.S. learned …

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