Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation Friday that officially declared June 19 a statewide holiday each year. The holiday is marked as “Juneteenth Independence Day.”
June 19, also known as Juneteenth, commemorates when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free 155 years ago. While the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the South in 1863, it wasn’t enforced in many places until after the end of the Civil War two years later. Confederate soldiers surrendered in April 1865, but word didn’t reach the last enslaved Black people until June 19, 18965 when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston, Texas. The emancipation day has been likened to the Fourth of July by many Black Americans.
This year, in the wake of the police killings of Black citizens such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks, as well as the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, many Americans have been demanding justice and systemic change more fervently than ever.
Baker said the new order in Massachusetts is an action to “recognize the continued need to ensure racial freedom and equality.”
Last month, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees this year.
“The Empire State has a tradition of acknowledging significant milestones in advancing the cause of freedom,” the order reads. “The observance of Juneteenth honors the history, perseverance, and achievements of African Americans, and celebrates America’s progress and continuing commitment to realizing the principles of liberty and equality upon which our nation was founded.”
June 19 will be a public school holiday in New York City beginning next year, and the city will also recognize the day as an official annual holiday. The metropolitan city is among many cities and counties across the country that have plans to observe Juneteenth through local proclamations and initiatives.
With the exception of Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota, all other U.S. states acknowledge June 19 as an annual ceremonious holiday or a state holiday. This year, North Dakota and South Dakota signed proclamations to mark the date as “Juneteenth Celebration Day” and “Juneteenth Day” respectively in each state for this year only.
Only Texas observes Juneteenth as a paid state holiday annually.
June 19 is not a federal holiday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.