Juneteenth: Fact Sheet

Changes from June 14, 2022 to July 1, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
~~June 14~~July 1, 2022 , 2022
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It is also known as Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It is also known as
Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black
Erin M. Smith
Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in
Reference and Instruction Reference and Instruction
Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the civil war and the end of slavery. Although Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the civil war and the end of slavery. Although
Librarian Librarian
the Emancipation Proclamation came 2½ years earlier on January 1, 1863, many the Emancipation Proclamation came 2½ years earlier on January 1, 1863, many

enslavers continued to hold enslaved Black people captive after the announcement, and enslavers continued to hold enslaved Black people captive after the announcement, and

Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African-American freedom. Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African-American freedom.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. All 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. All 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize
Juneteenth as a holiday or observance, and at least Juneteenth as a holiday or observance, and at least ~~18 states have enacted laws to observe the holiday as a paid~~
~~state holiday~~21 states and the District of Columbia have designated Juneteeth as a permanent paid and/or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. .
This fact sheet assists congressional offices with work related to Juneteenth. It contains sample speeches and This fact sheet assists congressional offices with work related to Juneteenth. It contains sample speeches and
remarks from the remarks from the Congressional Record, presidential proclamations and remarks, and selected historical and , presidential proclamations and remarks, and selected historical and
cultural resources. cultural resources.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

Juneteenth: Fact Sheet

Introduction
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation
Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day. On Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day. On
June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end
of the Civil War and the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation came 2½ years of the Civil War and the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation came 2½ years
earlier on January 1, 1863, many enslavers continued to hold enslaved Black people captive after earlier on January 1, 1863, many enslavers continued to hold enslaved Black people captive after
the announcement, so Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African American the announcement, so Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African American
freedom. freedom.
This fact sheet assists congressional offices with work related to Juneteenth. It contains sample This fact sheet assists congressional offices with work related to Juneteenth. It contains sample
speeches and remarks from the speeches and remarks from the Congressional Record, presidential proclamations and remarks, , presidential proclamations and remarks,
and selected historical and cultural resources. and selected historical and cultural resources.
History
June 19, 1865, marks the date that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and June 19, 1865, marks the date that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and
announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. His announcement, General Order Number announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. His announcement, General Order Number
3, reads as follows: 3, reads as follows:
The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the
Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of
personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the
connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired
labor.labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes andThe Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. work for wages.
They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will
not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.
The 1865 date is largely symbolic. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham The 1865 date is largely symbolic. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham
Lincoln, had legally freed Lincoln, had legally freed ~~slaves~~the enslaved in Texas on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier. Even after in Texas on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier. Even after
the general order, some the general order, some ~~slave masters~~enslavers withheld the information from their enslaved people, withheld the information from their enslaved people,
holding them enslaved through one more harvest season. holding them enslaved through one more harvest season.
Texans celebrated Juneteenth beginning in 1866 with community-centric events, such as parades, Texans celebrated Juneteenth beginning in 1866 with community-centric events, such as parades,
cookouts, prayer gatherings, historical and cultural readings, and musical performances. Over cookouts, prayer gatherings, historical and cultural readings, and musical performances. Over
time, communities have developed their own traditions. Some communities purchased land for time, communities have developed their own traditions. Some communities purchased land for
Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. As families emigrated Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. As families emigrated
from Texas to other parts of the United States, they carried Juneteenth celebrations with them. from Texas to other parts of the United States, they carried Juneteenth celebrations with them.
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday. Al Edwards, a freshman On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday. Al Edwards, a freshman
state representative, put forward the bill, H.B. 1016, making Texas the first state to grant this state representative, put forward the bill, H.B. 1016, making Texas the first state to grant this
emancipation celebration. Since then, the federal government, all 50 states, and the District of emancipation celebration. Since then, the federal government, all 50 states, and the District of
Columbia have also commemorated or recognized the day. Columbia have also commemorated or recognized the day.
Legislation
The first known official movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday began in 1994,1 and the The first known official movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday began in 1994,1 and the
first congressional resolution recognizing Juneteenth Independence Day was introduced in the first congressional resolution recognizing Juneteenth Independence Day was introduced in the

1 National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, 1 National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, History of the Modern Juneteenth Movement, http://pajuneteenth.org/, http://pajuneteenth.org/
national-juneteenth-observance-foundation-njof/. national-juneteenth-observance-foundation-njof/.
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105th Congress in 1997.2 The Senate and House of Representatives have since introduced 105th Congress in 1997.2 The Senate and House of Representatives have since introduced
these recent resolutions recognizing Juneteenth annually. resolutions recognizing Juneteenth annually.
Recent Senate resolutions: Recent Senate resolutions:
S.Res. 269 (117th Congress) S.Res. 269 (117th Congress)
S.Res. 253 (116th Congress) S.Res. 253 (116th Congress)
S.Res. 547 (115th Congress) S.Res. 547 (115th Congress)
S.Res. 214 (115th Congress) S.Res. 214 (115th Congress)
S.Res. 500 (114th Congress) S.Res. 500 (114th Congress)
Recent House of Representatives resolutions: House of Representatives resolutions:
H.Res. 480 (117th Congress) H.Res. 480 (117th Congress)
H.Res. 450 (116th Congress) H.Res. 450 (116th Congress)
H.Res. 948 (115th Congress) H.Res. 948 (115th Congress)
H.Res. 386 (115th Congress) H.Res. 386 (115th Congress)
H.Res. 787 (114th Congress) H.Res. 787 (114th Congress)
Federal Holiday Legislation
116th Congress
H.Res. 1001 H.Res. 1001, to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day, was introduced on June 15, to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day, was introduced on June 15,
2020.3 The resolution garnered 214 co-sponsors, and it led to the introduction of the first 2020.3 The resolution garnered 214 co-sponsors, and it led to the introduction of the first
Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (H.R. 7232) on June 18, 2020. A subsequent Senate Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (H.R. 7232) on June 18, 2020. A subsequent Senate
bill (S. 4019) was introduced on June 22, 2020. Neither bill was considered for a vote. bill (S. 4019) was introduced on June 22, 2020. Neither bill was considered for a vote.
117th Congress
On February 25, 2021, H.R. 1320 and S. 475 were both introduced to establish Juneteenth as a On February 25, 2021, H.R. 1320 and S. 475 were both introduced to establish Juneteenth as a
federal holiday. S. 475 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on June 15, 2021, and it passed federal holiday. S. 475 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on June 15, 2021, and it passed
the House by a vote of 415-14 on June 16, 2021. The bill was signed into law on June 17, 2021,4 the House by a vote of 415-14 on June 16, 2021. The bill was signed into law on June 17, 2021,4
and Juneteenth became the 12th federal holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day is the first and Juneteenth became the 12th federal holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day is the first
holiday to be added to the list of federal holidays since the recognition of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther holiday to be added to the list of federal holidays since the recognition of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr’s birthday in 1983. King, Jr’s birthday in 1983.
State Legislation
In addition to the federal government recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, all states and In addition to the federal government recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, all states and
the District of Columbia have passed legislation recognizing it as a holiday or observance. the District of Columbia have passed legislation recognizing it as a holiday or observance. At
~~least 18 states have made the observance an official paid holiday.~~
These states are listed in Table 1. At least 21 states along with the District of Columbia have designated
2 S.J.Res. 11. 2 S.J.Res. 11.
3 House Rule XII, Clause 5 prohibits date-specific commemorative legislation, and the passage of H.Res. 1001 required 3 House Rule XII, Clause 5 prohibits date-specific commemorative legislation, and the passage of H.Res. 1001 required
waiving House Rule XII by unanimous consent. waiving House Rule XII by unanimous consent.
4 P.L. 117-17, June 17, 2021; 5 U.S.C. §6103(a) 4 P.L. 117-17, June 17, 2021; 5 U.S.C. §6103(a)..Table 2
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link to page 7 link to page 7 Juneteenth: Fact Sheet Juneteeth as a permanent paid and/or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. Some states have made Juneteenth a paid holiday through a state statute that observes federal holidays or other days designated by the President as state holidays or by specifically directing the governor to make an annual proclamation. These states appear in Table 2. Other states have issued annual proclamations, decrees, or commemorations that designate Juneteenth as a paid holiday for a specific year.5 These states are not included in Table 2.
Table 1. States That Commemorate or Observe Juneteenth
Year of
State
Recognition
Citation
Alabama Alabama
2011 2011
2011 Ala. Adv. Legis. Serv. 398 (LexisNexis) 2011 Ala. Adv. Legis. Serv. 398 (LexisNexis)
Alaska Alaska
2001 2001
Alaska Stat. §44.12.090 (2001)
Arizona Arizona
2016 2016
Ariz. Rev. Stat. §1-315 (LexisNexis 2016)
Arkansas Arkansas
2005 2005
Ark. Code Ann. §1-5-114 (2005)
California California
2003 2003
Cal. Gov’t Code §6719 (Deering 2003)
Colorado Colorado
2004 2004
H.J.Res. 04-1027, 64th Gen. Assemb., 2nd Reg. Sess.
(Co. 2004)
Connecticut Connecticut
2003 2003
Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-29a(a)(48) (2003)
Delaware Delaware
2000 2000
Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §604 (2000)
District of Columbia District of Columbia
2003 2003
Res. 160, 15th Counsel, 2003 D.C. Res. 160, 15th Counsel, 2003 D.C.
Florida Florida
1991 1991
Fla. Stat. §683.21(1991)
Georgia Georgia
2011 2011
S.Res. 164, 151st Gen. Assemb., Reg. Sess (Ga. 1991) S.Res. 164, 151st Gen. Assemb., Reg. Sess (Ga. 1991)
Hawaii Hawaii
2021 2021
Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. §8-32
Idaho Idaho
2001 2001
S.Con.Res. 101, 56th Leg., Reg. Sess. (Idaho 2001)
~~Illinois~~Il inois
2003 2003
5 Ill. Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2003)
Indiana Indiana
2010 2010
H.Con.Res. 38, 116th Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind. 2010) H.Con.Res. 38, 116th Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind. 2010)
Iowa Iowa
2002 2002
Iowa Code §1C.14 (2002)
Kansas Kansas
2007 2007
S.Res. 1860, 82nd Leg., Reg. Sess. (Kan. 2007) S.Res. 1860, 82nd Leg., Reg. Sess. (Kan. 2007)
Kentucky Kentucky
2005 2005
Ky. Rev. Stat. §2.147 (LexisNexis 2005)
Louisiana Louisiana
2003 2003
La. Stat. Ann. §1:58:2 (2003)
Maine Maine
2011 2011
Me. Stat. tit. 1, §150-H (2011)
Maryland Maryland
2014 2014
Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. §7-411 (LexisNexis 2014)
Massachusetts Massachusetts
2007 2007
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB (2007)
Michigan Michigan
2005 2005
Mich. Comp. Laws §435.361 (2005)
Minnesota Minnesota
1996 1996
Minn. Stat. §10.55 (1996)
Mississippi Mississippi
2010 2010
S.Con.Res. 605, 2010 Leg., Reg. Sess. (Miss. 2010) S.Con.Res. 605, 2010 Leg., Reg. Sess. (Miss. 2010)
~~Missouri~~ 5 For example, see State of Alabama 2022 Official State Holidays noting the holiday upon designation by the governor and Ala Code § 1-3-8 listing the state’s holidays; Michigan governor proclamation specific to June 19, 2022 and Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 435.101 listing state holidays; New Mexico State Personnel Board memorandum on state holidays and N.M. Stat. Ann. § 12-5-2 listing public holidays for the state; and West Virginia governor proclamation specific to June 17, 2002 and W. Va. Stat. Ann. § 2-2-1 listing legal holidays for the state. Congressional Research Service 3 link to page 6 Juneteenth: Fact Sheet Year of State Recognition Citation Missouria
2003 2003
Mo. Rev. Stat. §9.161 (2003)
Montana Montana
2017 2017
Mont. Code Ann. §1-1-231 (2017)
Nebraska Nebraska
2009 2009
Leg.Res. 75, 101st Leg., Reg. Sess. (Neb. 2009)
Nevada Nevada
2011 2011
Nev. Rev. Stat. §236.033 (2011)
New Hampshire New Hampshire
2019 2019
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:13-z (LexisNexis 2019)
New Jersey New Jersey
2004 2004
N.J. Rev. Stat. §36:2-80 (2004)
New Mexico New Mexico
2006 2006
N.M. Stat. Ann. §12-5-14 (2006)
New York New York
2004 2004
N.Y. Exec. Law §168-a(3) (LexisNexis 2004)
North Carolina North Carolina
2007 2007
2007 N.C. Sess. Laws 450 2007 N.C. Sess. Laws 450
North Dakota North Dakota
2021 2021
S.B. 2232, 67th Leg. Assemb., Reg. Sess. (N.D. 2021)
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~~Year of~~
~~State~~
~~Recognition~~
~~Citation~~
Ohio Ohio
2006 2006
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §5.2234 (LexisNexis 2006)
Oklahoma Oklahoma
1994 1994
Okla. Stat. tit. 25, §82.4 (1994)
Oregon Oregon
2001 2001
S.J.Res. 31, 71st Leg. Assemb. (Or. 2001)
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
2019 2019
2019 Pa. ALS 9
Rhode Island Rhode Island
2012 2012
S.B. 2262, 2011-2012 Leg. Sess. (R.I. 2011) S.B. 2262, 2011-2012 Leg. Sess. (R.I. 2011)
South Carolina South Carolina
2008 2008
S.C. Code Ann. §53-3-85 (2008)
South Dakota South Dakota
2022 2022
S.D. Codified Law §1-5-1 (2022)
Tennessee Tennessee
2007 2007
2007 2007 ~~Bill~~ Bil Text TN H.J.R. 170Text TN H.J.R. 170
Texas Texas
1980 1980
Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. §662.003 (LexisNexis 1980)
Utah Utah
2016 2016
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-401(1)(g) (LexisNexis 2016)
Vermont Vermont
2007 2007
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 1, §375 (2007)
Virginia Virginia
2007 2007
H.Res. 56, 2007 Sess. (Va. 2007)
Washington Washington
2007 2007
Wash. Rev. Code §1.16.050(7)(l) (2007)
West Virginia West Virginia
2008 2008
H.Res. 19, 78th Leg., 2d Sess. (W. Va. 2008)
Wisconsin Wisconsin
2009 2009
Wis. Stat. §995.20 (2009)
Wyoming Wyoming
2003 2003
Wyo. Stat. Ann. §8-4-107 (2003)
Source: Table compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Table compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Notes: This table includes the first instance of a state’s recognition of Juneteenth or the first legislation that This table includes the first instance of a state’s recognition of Juneteenth or the first legislation that
established Juneteenth as a state holiday. It excludes legislation adopted by states after the initial observation established Juneteenth as a state holiday. It excludes legislation adopted by states after the initial observation
year. For example, Kansas adopted multiple resolutions, such as S.Res. 1866 (2007), S.Res. 1888 (2009), S.Res. year. For example, Kansas adopted multiple resolutions, such as S.Res. 1866 (2007), S.Res. 1888 (2009), S.Res.
1865 (2011), and S.Res. 1754 (2015), subsequent to the original commemoration. 1865 (2011), and S.Res. 1754 (2015), subsequent to the original commemoration.
Bolded legislation citations denote that the legislation established Juneteenth as a state holiday. This includes days Bolded legislation citations denote that the legislation established Juneteenth as a state holiday. This includes days
of observance and does not necessarily mean that they are legal holidays. Nonbolded legislation citations are of observance and does not necessarily mean that they are legal holidays. Nonbolded legislation citations are
commemorations or recognitions of the day’s significance. commemorations or recognitions of the day’s significance.
States without links do not have publicly available versions of the States without links do not have publicly available versions of the ~~bill~~ bil or resolution online. Copies can be found or resolution online. Copies can be found
on Lexis+. Congressional clients also may request copies from CRS. on Lexis+. Congressional clients also may request copies from CRS.
a. See H.B. 1738, 101st Gen. Assemb, 2nd Reg. Sess. that establishes Juneteenth as a legal state holiday. The bil was delivered to the governor on May 18, 2022, and is expected to be signed August 2022. Congressional Research Service 4 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 7 Juneteenth: Fact Sheet Table 2. States Where Juneteenth is Observed as a Permanent Paid State and/or Legal Holiday
Year of First
State
Observance
Citation
Colorado Colorado
2022 2022
Colo. Rev. Stat §24-11-101 (2022) Colo. Rev. Stat §24-11-101 (2022)
Connecticut Connecticut
2023 2023
Conn. Gen. Stat. § Conn. Gen. Stat. §~~10-29a (2022)~~
1-4a (2022) Effective October 1, 2022 Delaware Delaware
2021 2021
Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §501 (2022) Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §501 (2022)
~~Georgia~~
~~2022~~
~~Ga. Code Ann. §1-4-1 (2022)~~
~~Illinoisa~~
~~2021~~
~~5 Ill~~District of Columbiaa 2021 D.C. Code §1-612.02(a) (2022) Georgiab 2022 Ga. Code Ann. §1-4-1 (2022) Idahob 2021 Idaho Code §73-108 (2022) Il inois 2021 5 Il . Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2022) . Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2022)
Louisiana Louisiana
2021 2021
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §1:55.1 (2022) La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §1:55.1 (2022)
Maine Maine
2022 2022
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, §59 (2022) Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, §59 (2022)
~~Massachusetts~~
~~2021~~
~~Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB (2022)~~
~~Maryland~~
~~2022~~
~~Md. Ann. Code Art. GP, §1-111 (West 2022)~~
~~Nebraska~~
~~2022~~
~~Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. §62-301 (2022)~~
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~~Year of First~~
~~State~~
~~Observance~~
~~Citation~~Maryland 2022 Md. Ann. Code Art. GP, §1-111 (West 2022) Massachusettsc 2021 Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB (2022) Missourib,d 2021 Mo. Rev. Stat. § 9.015 (LexisNexis 2021) Nebraska 2022 Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. §62-301 (2022)
New Jersey New Jersey
2021 2021
N.J. Stat. §11A:6-24.1 (2022) N.J. Stat. §11A:6-24.1 (2022)
New York New York
2021 2021
N.Y. Gen. Constr. Law §24 (Consol. 2022) N.Y. Gen. Constr. Law §24 (Consol. 2022)
Ohio Ohio
2021 2021
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §1.14 (LexisNexis 2022) Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §1.14 (LexisNexis 2022)
Oregon Oregon
2022 2022
Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §187.010 (2022) Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §187.010 (2022)
South Dakota South Dakota
2022 2022
S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022) Effective July 1, 2022 S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022) Effective July 1, 2022
Texas Texas
1980 1980
Tex. Gov’t Code §662.003 (LexisNexis 2022) Tex. Gov’t Code §662.003 (LexisNexis 2022)
Utah 2022 Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-301 (2022) Virginia Virginia
2020 2020
Va. Code Ann. §2.2-3300 (2022) Va. Code Ann. §2.2-3300 (2022)
Washington Washington
2022 2022
Wash. Rev. Code Ann. §1.16.050 (2022) Wash. Rev. Code Ann. §1.16.050 (2022)
Source: Table compiled by Table compiled by ~~CRS.~~
~~a. If June 19 falls on a weekend, Illinois does not make the prior Friday or following Monday a paid holiday.~~
the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Notes: This list represents states where Juneteenth has been designated as a permanent paid state and/or legal holiday by state legislation or executive action. It does not include paid state holidays issued annually by proclamations, decrees, or commemorations. New Mexico is not included in this list. Although New Mexico’s state personnel board unanimously voted to add Juneteenth to the list of 2022 paid state holidays, Juneteenth is not a legal holiday in New Mexico (N.M. Stat. Ann. §12-5-2). a. See the Technical Amendments Act of 2022, where Juneteenth National Independence Day has been added to the list of legal holidays. b. Juneteenth is observed as a paid state holiday through a state statute that recognizes federal holidays or other days designated by the President. c. The Massachusetts statute states, “The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the nineteenth of June as Juneteenth Independence Day.…” d. The Missouri legislature has also passed a bil (H.B. 1738, 101st Gen. Assemb, 2nd Reg. Sess.) that wil make Juneteenth the 13th legal holiday in the state. The bil was delivered to the governor on May 18, 2022, and is expected to be signed August 2022. Congressional Research Service 5 Juneteenth: Fact Sheet Sample Congressional Speeches and Recognitions
Members of Congress often make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter Extensions of Members of Congress often make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter Extensions of
Remarks into the Remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize federal holidays and observances. The to recognize federal holidays and observances. The
following are some recent examples that may be of assistance in preparing such statements: following are some recent examples that may be of assistance in preparing such statements:
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Celebrating Juneteenth,” remarks in the House, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Celebrating Juneteenth,” remarks in the House,
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 167 (June 14, 2021), pp. H2728-H2736. , daily edition, vol. 167 (June 14, 2021), pp. H2728-H2736.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “The 2020 Observance of the Historical Significance of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “The 2020 Observance of the Historical Significance of
Juneteenth Independence Day,” Extension of Remarks, Juneteenth Independence Day,” Extension of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. , daily edition, vol.
166 (June 30, 2020), pp. E590-E591. 166 (June 30, 2020), pp. E590-E591.
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, “Juneteenth,” remarks in the Senate, Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, “Juneteenth,” remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record,, daily daily
edition, vol. 166 (June 18, 2020), pp. S3098-S3099. edition, vol. 166 (June 18, 2020), pp. S3098-S3099.
Representative Antonio Delgado, “Recognizing Juneteenth,” Extensions of Remarks, Representative Antonio Delgado, “Recognizing Juneteenth,” Extensions of Remarks,
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 165 (June 19, 2019), p. E769. , daily edition, vol. 165 (June 19, 2019), p. E769.
Senators Bill Nelson and Cory Booker, “Juneteenth Independence Day,” remarks in the Senate, Senators Bill Nelson and Cory Booker, “Juneteenth Independence Day,” remarks in the Senate,
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 164 (June 19, 2018), pp. S4032-S4033. , daily edition, vol. 164 (June 19, 2018), pp. S4032-S4033.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Commemorating Juneteenth,” remarks in the House of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Commemorating Juneteenth,” remarks in the House of
Representatives, Representatives, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162 (June 19, 2018), pp. H5274-, daily edition, vol. 162 (June 19, 2018), pp. H5274-
H5275. H5275.
Representative Brian Babin, “Celebrating Juneteenth 2017,” Extensions of Remarks, Representative Brian Babin, “Celebrating Juneteenth 2017,” Extensions of Remarks,
Congressional Record, daily edition vol. 163 (June 15, 2017), p. E828. , daily edition vol. 163 (June 15, 2017), p. E828.
Senator Harry Reid, “Celebrating Juneteenth,” remarks in the Senate, Senator Harry Reid, “Celebrating Juneteenth,” remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, ,
daily edition, vol. 162 (June 16, 2016), p. S4258. daily edition, vol. 162 (June 16, 2016), p. S4258.
Representative Jeb Hensarling, “Hensarling Commemorates Juneteenth,” press release, June 19, Representative Jeb Hensarling, “Hensarling Commemorates Juneteenth,” press release, June 19,
2015. 2015.
Representative Julia Brownley, “Recognizing Ventura County’s 24th Annual Juneteenth Representative Julia Brownley, “Recognizing Ventura County’s 24th Annual Juneteenth
Celebration,” Extensions of Remarks, Celebration,” Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 160 (June 19, , daily edition, vol. 160 (June 19,
2014), p. E1023. 2014), p. E1023.
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Presidential Proclamations and Remarks
One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or call One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or call
attention to certain issues or events. Some proclamations and remarks commemorating Juneteenth attention to certain issues or events. Some proclamations and remarks commemorating Juneteenth
from the from the Compilation of Presidential Documents include the following: include the following:
Statements and Messages by the President—Joseph R. Biden Jr. (2021- ) Statements and Messages by the President—Joseph R. Biden Jr. (2021- )
Statements and Messages by the President—Donald J. Trump (2018- 2021) Statements and Messages by the President—Donald J. Trump (2018- 2021)
Statements and Messages by the President—Barack H. Obama (2010-2017) Statements and Messages by the President—Barack H. Obama (2010-2017)
Statements and Messages by the President—George W. Bush (2002-2009) Statements and Messages by the President—George W. Bush (2002-2009)
Congressional Research Service 6 Juneteenth: Fact Sheet Historical and Cultural Resources
Numerous resources provide information on the history and culture of the holiday, including the Numerous resources provide information on the history and culture of the holiday, including the
following: following:
National Museum of African American History & Culture, “The Historical Legacy of National Museum of African American History & Culture, “The Historical Legacy of
Juneteenth.” This blog post provides a brief history of Juneteenth. Juneteenth.” This blog post provides a brief history of Juneteenth.
Smithsonian, “Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day.” This blog post includes pictures of Smithsonian, “Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day.” This blog post includes pictures of
Major General George Granger and the house from which he read General Order No 3. Major General George Granger and the house from which he read General Order No 3.
Library of Congress, “The Birth of Juneteenth; Voices of the Enslaved.” This blog post includes Library of Congress, “The Birth of Juneteenth; Voices of the Enslaved.” This blog post includes
links to several interviews with former enslaved about their memories of gaining their freedom. links to several interviews with former enslaved about their memories of gaining their freedom.
Library of Congress, “Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories.” This Library of Congress, “Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories.” This
collection houses oral histories of 23 formerly enslaved recorded between 1932 and 1975. collection houses oral histories of 23 formerly enslaved recorded between 1932 and 1975.
Texas State Historical Association, “Juneteenth.” A longer narrative of the history of Juneteenth. Texas State Historical Association, “Juneteenth.” A longer narrative of the history of Juneteenth.
National Archives and Records Administration, “National Archives Safeguards Original National Archives and Records Administration, “National Archives Safeguards Original
‘Juneteenth’ General Order.” Short blog post that includes an image of handwritten General Order ‘Juneteenth’ General Order.” Short blog post that includes an image of handwritten General Order
No. 3. No. 3.
National Archives and Records Administration, “The Emancipation Proclamation.” The original, National Archives and Records Administration, “The Emancipation Proclamation.” The original,
handwritten document. handwritten document.
Washington Post, “What is Juneteenth? Emancipation history with photos.” An interactive news , “What is Juneteenth? Emancipation history with photos.” An interactive news
story highlighting the history of Juneteenth. story highlighting the history of Juneteenth.
New York Times, “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?” A primer on celebrating Juneteenth. , “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?” A primer on celebrating Juneteenth.
New York Times, “Hot Links and Red Drinks: The Rich Food Tradition of Juneteenth.” , “Hot Links and Red Drinks: The Rich Food Tradition of Juneteenth.”
Related CRS Report
CRS Report R43539, CRS Report R43539, Commemorations in Congress: Options for Honoring Individuals, Groups,
and Events, coordinated by Jacob R. Straus, coordinated by Jacob R. Straus.

~~Congressional Research Service~~

6

~~Juneteenth: Fact Sheet~~

Author Information

Erin M. Smith Erin M. Smith

Reference and Instruction Librarian Reference and Instruction Librarian

Acknowledgments
This fact sheet was originally authored by Molly Higgins, former Reference and Data Services Librarian. This fact sheet was originally authored by Molly Higgins, former Reference and Data Services Librarian.
Congressional Research Service 7 Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Disclaimer
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