Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
May 30, 2023June 13, 2024
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, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day,
and Black Black
Devon Galena
Independence Day
Independence Day
. , and, by statute, Juneteenth National Independence Day.
Senior Knowledge Management Librarian
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in
Reference and Digital
Galveston, TX, and Galveston, TX, and
announced the end of the announced the end of the
civil warCivil War and the end of slavery. Although and the end of slavery. Although
Services 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 enslavers continued to
hold enslaved Black people captive after the announcementhold 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
2228 states and the District of Columbia have designated states and the District of Columbia have designated
Juneteenth as a permanent paid and/or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. Juneteenth 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, Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day,
and BlackBlack Independence Day, and, by statute, Juneteenth National Independence Day. Independence Day.
On 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.
HistoryBackground
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.announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery.
1 His announcement, General Order Number 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 and workThe Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work
for wages. 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.
2
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, had legally freed the
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, had legally freed the
enslaved in Texas on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier.enslaved in Texas on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier.
3 Even after the general order, some Even after the general order, some
enslavers withheld the information from enslaved people, holding them enslaved through one enslavers withheld the information from enslaved people, holding them enslaved through one
more harvest season.more harvest season.
4
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. cookouts, prayer gatherings, historical and cultural readings, and musical performances.
Juneteenth celebrations often included speeches to inspire and educate attendees about political action, like voting.5 Over Over time, communities have developed their own traditions.time, communities have developed their own traditions.
6 Some communities purchased land for Some communities purchased land for
Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston, Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston,
Texas.
1 Teresa Palomo Acosta, “Juneteenth,” Handbook of Texas, Texas State Historical Society, March 26, 2024. Available at https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/juneteenth.
2 Billy R. Glasco, Jr., “Juneteenth: The Celebration of a New Freedom in America,” Rediscovering Black History (blog), National Archives, June 16, 2021. Available at https://rediscovering-black-history.blogs.archives.gov/2021/06/16/juneteenth-the-celebration-of-a-new-freedom-in-america/.
3 Ibid. 4 Elizabeth Nix, “What is Juneteenth?,” History.com, June 11, 2024. Available at https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth.
5 Teresa Palomo Acosta, “Juneteenth,” Handbook of Texas, Texas State Historical Society, March 26, 2024. Available at https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/juneteenth.
6 Ibid.
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Texas.7 As families emigrated 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.
8
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday.
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday.
9 Al Edwards, a freshman 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.emancipation celebration.
10 Since then, the federal government, all 50 states, and the District of 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,The first known official movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday began in 1994,
111 and the 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, History of the Modern Juneteenth Movement, http://pajuneteenth.org/national-juneteenth-observance-foundation-njof/.
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105th Congress in 1997.2105th Congress in 1997.12 The Senate and House of Representatives have since introduced these The Senate and House of Representatives have since introduced these
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)
7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid. 10 Paul DeBenedetto, “Former State Rep. Al Edwards, Who Helped Make Juneteenth A State Holiday, Dies At 83,” Houston Public Media, April 30, 2020. Available at https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2020/04/30/368361/former-state-rep-al-edwards-who-helped-make-juneteenth-a-state-holiday-dies-at-83/.
11 National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, “History of the Modern Juneteenth Movement.” Available https://web.archive.org/web/20230323021301/https://pajuneteenth.org/national-juneteenth-observance-foundation-njof/.
12 S.J.Res. 11.
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Federal Holiday Legislation
116th Congress
H.Res. 1001 to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day
H.Res. 1001 to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day
, was introduced on June 15, was introduced on June 15,
2020.2020.
313 The resolution garnered 214 co-sponsors, and it led to the introduction of the first 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,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.and Juneteenth became the 12th federal holiday.
14 Juneteenth National Independence Day is the first Juneteenth National Independence Day is the first
holiday to be added to the list of federal holidays since the holiday to be added to the list of federal holidays since the
1983 recognition of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther recognition of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr’s birthdayKing, 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
2228 states along with the District of Columbia have designated states along with the District of Columbia have designated
2 S.J.Res. 11. 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.
4 P.L. 117-17, June 17, 2021; 5 U.S.C. §6103(a). See Table 2.
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Juneteenth as a permanent paid and/or legal holiday through legislation or executive action. Some Juneteenth 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.holiday for a specific year.
515 These states are not included i These states are not included i
n Table 2.
Table 1. States That Commemorate or Observe Juneteenth
Year of First
State
Observance
Citation
Alabama
Alabama
2011
2011
Al. SJR 157 (2011)
Al. SJR 157 (2011)
Alaska
Alaska
2001
2001
Alaska Stat. §44.12.090 (2001)
Arizona
Arizona
2016
2016
Ariz. Rev. Stat. §1-315 (2016)
Arkansas
Arkansas
2005
2005
Ark. Code Ann. §1-5-114 (2005)
California
California
2003
2003
Cal. Gov’t Code §6719 (Deering 2003)
13 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.
14 P.L. 117-17, June 17, 2021; 5 U.S.C. §6103(a). See Table 2. 15 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.
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Year of First
State
Observance
Citation
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. Con. Res. 38, 116th Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind.
H. Con. Res. 38, 116th Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind.
2010) 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 (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 (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 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.
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Year of First
State
Observance
Citation
Missouri
Missouri
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 (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) (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)
Ohioa
Ohioa
2006
2006
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §5.2234 (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. 2012)
S.B. 2262, 2011-2012 Leg. Sess. (R.I. 2012)
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Year of First
State
Observance
Citation
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 (1980)
Utah
Utah
2016
2016
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-401(1)(g) (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(1)(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.
a. Ohio enacted a bil in 2006 to recognize September 22 as a state holiday called Emancipation Day. In 2021, 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
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §5.2447 became effective, designating June 19 as Juneteenth and making it a legal
holiday. holiday.
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Table 2. States Where Juneteenth Is Observed as a Permanent Paid State and/or
Legal Holiday
State
Year Enacted
Citation
California
California
2022
2022
Cal. Gov. Code §6700 (2022) eff. Sept. 29, 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
2022
2022
Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-4a (2022) eff. Oct. 1, 2022
Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-4a (2022) eff. Oct. 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 (2022)
Md. Ann. Code Art. GP, §1-111 (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)
Missourib,dMichigan
2023
Mich. Comp. Laws §435.381 (2023)
Minnesota
2023
Minn. Stat. §10.55 (2023)
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State
Year Enacted
Citation
Missouribd
2013
2013
Mo. Rev. Stat. §9.015 (2013)
Mo. Rev. Stat. §9.015 (2013)
Nebraska
Nebraska
2022
2022
Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. §62-301 (2022)
Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. §62-301 (2022)
Nevadae
2023
Nev. Rev. Stat. §236.033 (2023)
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 (2022)
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §1.14 (2022)
Oregon
Oregon
2021
2021
Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §187.010 (2021) eff. June 28, 2021
Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §187.010 (2021) eff. June 28, 2021
Pennsylvania
2019
Penn. P.L. 34, No.9 (2019)
Rhode Island
2023
R.I. Gen. Laws § 25-3-1 (2023)
South Dakota South Dakota
2022
2022
S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022) eff. July 1, 2022
S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022) eff. July 1, 2022
Tennessee
Tennessee
2023
2023
Tenn. Stat. Ann. §15-1-101 eff. May 5, 2023
Tenn. Stat. Ann. §15-1-101 eff. May 5, 2023
Texas
Texas
1980
1980
Tex. Gov’t Code §662.003 (2022)
Tex. Gov’t Code §662.003 (2022)
Utah
Utah
2022
2022
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-301 (2022)
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-301 (2022)
Vermont
2024
2024 Vt. S. 206 (2024)
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 holidays (NM SPO state personnel board unanimously voted to add Juneteenth to the list of 2022 paid state holidays (NM SPO
General Memorandum 2021-004), Juneteenth is not a legal holiday in New Mexico (N.M. Stat. Ann. §12-5-2). General Memorandum 2021-004), 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 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 was first observed as a paid state holiday through a state statute that recognizes federal holidays
b. Juneteenth was first observed as a paid state holiday through a state statute that recognizes federal holidays
or other days designated by the President.
or 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 also passed a bil (H.B. 1738, 101st Gen. Assemb, 2nd Reg. Sess.) that made
d. The Missouri legislature also passed a bil (H.B. 1738, 101st Gen. Assemb, 2nd Reg. Sess.) that made
Juneteenth the 13th legal holiday in the state. Mo. Rev. Stat. §9.010 went into effect on August 28, 2022.
Juneteenth the 13th legal holiday in the state. Mo. Rev. Stat. §9.010 went into effect on August 28, 2022.
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Sample Congressional Speeches and Recognitionse. The Nevada statute states, “The Governor shall annually proclaim June 19 to be ‘Juneteenth Day’. . ”
Selected Congressional Statements and Remarks
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
Al Green, “Recognizing Juneteenth and Slavery Remembrance Day,” remarks in the House, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 169 (June 23, 2023), pp. H3137-H3140.
Representative Aumua Amata, “Amata Celebrates Juneteenth’s Message of Freedom” (June 15, 2023). Retrieved from the official website of Representative Amata.
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Senator Martin Heinrich, “Heinrich Statement on Juneteenth 2023” (June 15, 2023). Retrieved from the official YouTube channel of Senator Heinrich.
Representative Barry Loudermilk, “Honoring Juneteenth as a National Holiday,” Extensions of Barry Loudermilk, “Honoring Juneteenth as a National Holiday,” Extensions of
Remarks, Remarks,
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 168 (June 14, 2022), p. E617. , daily edition, vol. 168 (June 14, 2022), p. E617.
Representative Ayanna Pressley, “Celebrating Juneteenth,”
Representative Ayanna Pressley, “Celebrating Juneteenth,”
Congressional Record, daily edition, , daily edition,
vol. 168 (June 15, 2022), p. H5593. vol. 168 (June 15, 2022), p. H5593.
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 Representatives, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162 (June 19, 2018), pp. H5274-H5275.
Representative Brian Babin, “Celebrating Juneteenth 2017,” Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition vol. 163 (June 15, 2017), p. E828.
Senator Harry Reid, “Celebrating Juneteenth,” remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162 (June 16, 2016), p. S4258.
Selected 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 (
Statements and Messages by the President—Donald J. Trump (
2018- 20212017-2020) )
Statements and Messages by the President—Barack H. Obama (
Statements and Messages by the President—Barack H. Obama (
2010-20172009-2016) )
Statements and Messages by the President—George W. Bush (2002-
Statements and Messages by the President—George W. Bush (2002-
2009)
Historical and Cultural2008)
Government 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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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 formerly enslaved people about their memories of gaining their links to several interviews with formerly enslaved people about their memories of gaining their
freedom. 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 people recorded between 1932 and 1975.collection houses oral histories of 23 formerly enslaved people recorded between 1932 and 1975.
Texas State Historical Association, “Juneteenth.” A longer narrative of the history of Juneteenth.
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National Archives and Records Administration, “National Archives Safeguards Original
National Archives and Records Administration, “National Archives Safeguards Original
‘Juneteenth’ General Order.” A short blog post that includes an image of handwritten General ‘Juneteenth’ General Order.” A short blog post that includes an image of handwritten General
Order No. 3. Order 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.
Nongovernment Resources Texas State Historical Association, “Juneteenth.” A longer narrative of the history of Juneteenth.
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 ReportProduct
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
Devon Galena Devon Galena
Reference and Digital ServicesSenior Knowledge Management Librarian Librarian
Acknowledgments
This fact sheet was originally authored by Molly Higgins, former CRS Reference and Digital Services
This fact sheet was originally authored by Molly Higgins, former CRS Reference and Digital Services
Librarian. This fact sheet was previously updated by Erin Smith, former CRS Reference and Instruction Librarian. This fact sheet was previously updated by Erin Smith, former CRS Reference and Instruction
Librarian.Librarian.
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