Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
July 1, 2022May 30, 2023
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. SmithDevon Galena
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
Reference and
InstructionDigital
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
Services 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
2122 states and the District of Columbia have designated states and the District of Columbia have designated
JuneteethJuneteenth as a permanent paid and/or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. 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
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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. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and 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
The
1865 date is largely symbolic. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham
Lincoln, had legally freed the enslaved in Texas on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier. Lincoln, had legally freed the enslaved in Texas on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier.
Even after the general order, some enslavers withheld the information from Even after the general order, some enslavers withheld the information from
their enslaved people, 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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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
105th Congress in 1997.2 The Senate and House of Representatives have since introduced these
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:
Recent 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 to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day, was introduced on June 15,
H.Res. 1001 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. These the District of Columbia have passed legislation recognizing it as a holiday or observance. These
states are listed istates are listed i
n Table 1. At least At least
2122 states along with the District of Columbia have designated 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)
.. See Table 2.
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
JuneteethJuneteenth as a permanent paid and/or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. Some 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 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 or other days designated by the President as state holidays or by specifically directing the
governor to make an annual proclamation. These states appear igovernor to make an annual proclamation. These states appear i
n Table 2. Other states have Other states have
issued annual proclamations, decrees, or commemorations that designate Juneteenth as a paid issued annual proclamations, decrees, or commemorations that designate Juneteenth as a paid
holiday for a specific year.5 These states are not included iholiday for a specific year.5 These states are not included i
n Table 2.
Table 1. States That Commemorate or Observe Juneteenth
Year of First
State
RecognitionObservance
Citation
Alabama
Alabama
2011
2011
2011 Ala. Adv. Legis. Serv. 398 (LexisNexisAl. SJR 157 (2011) )
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.
S.
Res. 164, 151st Gen. Assemb., Reg. Sess (Ga. 1991) 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)
Il inois
Il inois
2003
2003
5 Ill. Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2003)
Indiana
Indiana
2010
2010
H.
H.
Con.Con.
Res. 38, 116th Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind. 2010) Res. 38, 116th Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind. 2010)
Iowa
Iowa
2002
2002
Iowa Code §1C.14 (2002)
Kansas
Kansas
2007
2007
S.
S.
Res. 1860, 82nd Leg., Reg. Sess. (Kan. 2007)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)
5 For example, see State of Alabama 2022 Official State Holidays noting the holiday upon designation by the governor 5 For example, see State of Alabama 2022 Official State Holidays noting the holiday upon designation by the governor
and Alaand Ala
. Code § Code §
1-3-8 listing the state’s holidays; Michigan governor proclamation specific to June 19, 20221-3-8 listing the state’s holidays; Michigan governor proclamation specific to June 19, 2022
, and Mich. and Mich.
Comp. Laws Serv. §Comp. Laws Serv. §
435.101 listing state holidays; New Mexico State Personnel Board memorandum on state holidays 435.101 listing state holidays; New Mexico State Personnel Board memorandum on state holidays
and N.M. Stat. Ann. §and N.M. Stat. Ann. §
12-5-2 listing public holidays for the state; and West Virginia governor proclamation specific to 12-5-2 listing public holidays for the state; and West Virginia governor proclamation specific to
June 17, 2002June 17, 2002
, and W. Va. Stat. Ann. § and W. Va. Stat. Ann. §
2-2-1 listing legal holidays for the state. 2-2-1 listing legal holidays for the state.
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Year of First
State
RecognitionObservance
Citation
MissouriaMissouri
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)
OhioOhioa
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.
S.B. 2262, 2011-2012 Leg. Sess. (R.I.
20112012) )
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 Bil Text TN H.J.R. 170
2007 Bil Text 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)(l1)(f) (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 bil or resolution online. Copies can be found 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 a. Ohio enacted a bil in 2006 to recognize September 22 as a state holiday called Emancipation Day. In 2021,
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §5.2447 became effective, designating June 19 as Juneteenth and making it a legal holiday. .
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Table 2. States Where Juneteenth isIs Observed as a Permanent Paid State and/or
Legal Holiday
Year of First
State
Observance
CitationState
Year Enacted
Citation
California
2022
Cal. Gov. Code §6700 (2022) eff. Sept. 29, 2022
Colorado
Colorado
2022
2022
Colo. Rev. Stat §24-11-101 (2022)
Colo. Rev. Stat §24-11-101 (2022)
Connecticut
Connecticut
20232022
Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-4a (2022)
Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-4a (2022)
Effective Octobereff. Oct. 1, 2022 1, 2022
Delaware
Delaware
2021
2021
Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §501 (2022)
Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §501 (2022)
District of Columbi
District of Columbi
aa
2021
2021
D.C. Code §1-612.02(a) (2022)
D.C. Code §1-612.02(a) (2022)
Georgi
Georgi
ab
2022
2022
Ga. Code Ann. §1-4-1 (2022)
Ga. Code Ann. §1-4-1 (2022)
Idah
Idah
ob
2021
2021
Idaho Code §73-108 (2022)
Idaho Code §73-108 (2022)
Il inois
Il inois
2021
2021
5 Il . Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2022)
5 Il . 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)
Maryland
Maryland
2022
2022
Md. Ann. Code Art. GP, §1-111 (
Md. Ann. Code Art. GP, §1-111 (
West 2022) 2022)
Massachusett
Massachusett
sc
2021
2021
Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB (2022)
Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB (2022)
Minnesota
2023
Minn. Stat. §10.55 (2023)
MissouMissou
rib,d
20212013
Mo. Rev. Stat. §
Mo. Rev. Stat. §
9.015 (LexisNexis 2021) 9.015 (2013)
Nebraska
Nebraska
2022
2022
Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. §62-301 (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 §
N.Y. Gen. Constr. Law §
24 (Consol. 2022) 24 (Consol. 2022)
Ohio
Ohio
2021
2021
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §1.14 (
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §1.14 (
LexisNexis 2022) 2022)
Oregon
Oregon
20222021
Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §187.010 (
Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §187.010 (
2022)2021) eff. June 28, 2021
South Dakota
South Dakota
2022
2022
S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022)
S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022)
Effectiveeff. July 1, 2022
Tennessee
2023
Tenn. Stat. Ann. §15-1-101 eff. May 5, 2023
July 1, 2022
Texas Texas
1980
1980
Tex. Gov’t Code §662.003 (
Tex. Gov’t Code §662.003 (
LexisNexis 2022) 2022)
Utah
Utah
2022
2022
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-301 (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 the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Table compiled by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Notes: This list represents states where Juneteenth has been designated as a permanent paid state and/or legal : 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 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 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 holidaysstate personnel board unanimously voted to add Juneteenth to the list of 2022 paid state holidays
(NM SPO General Memorandum 2021-004), Juneteenth is , Juneteenth is
not a legal holiday in New Mexico (N.M. Stat. Ann. §12-5-2). 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 a. See the Technical Amendments Act of 2022, where Juneteenth National Independence Day has been added
to the list of legal holidays.
to the list of legal holidays.
b. Juneteenth
b. Juneteenth
iswas first observed as a paid state holiday through a state statute that recognizes federal holidays observed as a paid state holiday through a state statute that recognizes federal holidays
or
or other days designated by the President.other days designated by the President.
c. The Massachusetts statute states, “The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the
c. The Massachusetts statute states, “The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the
nineteenth of June as Juneteenth Independence Day.…”
nineteenth of June as Juneteenth Independence Day.…”
d. The Missouri legislature
d. The Missouri legislature
has also passed a bil (H.B. 1738, 101st Gen. Assemb, 2nd Reg. Sess.) that also passed a bil (H.B. 1738, 101st Gen. Assemb, 2nd Reg. Sess.) that
wil makemade
Juneteenth the 13th legal holiday in the state.
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 AugustMo. Rev. Stat. §9.010 went into effect on August 28, 2022. 2022.
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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
Representative
Barry Loudermilk, “Honoring Juneteenth as a National Holiday,” Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 168 (June 14, 2022), p. E617.
Representative Ayanna Pressley, “Celebrating Juneteenth,” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 168 (June 15, 2022), p. H5593.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Celebrating Juneteenth,” remarks in the House, 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, 2015.
Representative Julia Brownley, “Recognizing Ventura County’s 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration,” Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 160 (June 19, 2014), p. E1023.
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)
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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:
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
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 links to several interviews with
formerformerly enslaved enslaved
people about their memories of gaining their freedom. 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 collection houses oral histories of 23 formerly enslaved
people recorded between 1932 and 1975. 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.” ‘Juneteenth’ General Order.”
ShortA short blog post that includes an image of handwritten General Order 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
Author Information
Erin M. SmithDevon Galena
Reference and
Reference and
InstructionDigital Services Librarian Librarian
Acknowledgments
This fact sheet was originally authored by Molly Higgins, former
This fact sheet was originally authored by Molly Higgins, former
CRS Reference and Reference and
DataDigital Services Librarian. This fact sheet was previously updated by Erin Smith, former CRS Reference and Instruction Services Librarian.Librarian.
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
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