Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
June 13, 2024
Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Updated July 7, 2025
(R44865)
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Summary
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, Black Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Black
Devon Galena
Independence Day, and, by statute, Juneteenth National 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 Galveston, TX, and On 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 announced the end 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 Proclamation came 2½ years earlier on January 1, 1863, many enslavers continued to
hold enslaved Black people captive after the announcement. Juneteenth became a hold enslaved Black people captive after the announcement. Juneteenth became a
symbolic date representing African-American freedom.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
2831 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
Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Introduction
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, Black Independence Day, and, by Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Black Independence Day, and, by
statute, Juneteenth National Independence Day.statute, Juneteenth National Independence Day.
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the On 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 end 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 years 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 after 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.
Background
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 His1 The announcement, General Order Number announcement, General Order Number
3,3, reads as follows: 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 labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. 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
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.
33 Even after Even after
the general orderGeneral Order Number 3, some , 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
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 Juneteenth celebrations often included speeches to inspire and educate attendees about political
action, like voting.action, like voting.
55 Over time, communities have developed their own traditions. Over time, communities have developed their own traditions.
66 Some Some
communities purchased land for Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston, communities purchased land for Juneteenth celebrations, such as Emancipation Park in Houston,
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.7Texas.7 As families emigrated from Texas to other parts of the United States, they carried As families emigrated from Texas to other parts of the United States, they carried
Juneteenth celebrations with them.Juneteenth celebrations with them.
8
8
On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday.On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday.
99 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.
1010 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,
1111 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
105th105th Congress in 1997. Congress in 1997.
1212 The Senate and House of Representatives have since introduced The Senate and House of Representatives have since introduced
these resolutions recognizing Juneteenthresolutions recognizing Juneteenth
.
annually.
Recent Senate resolutions:Recent Senate resolutions:
S.Res. S.Res.
269 (117th290 (119th Congress) Congress)
S.Res. S.Res.
253 (116th756 (118th Congress) Congress)
S.Res. S.Res.
547 (115th263 (118th Congress) Congress)
S.Res. S.Res.
214 (115th679 (117th Congress) Congress)
S.Res. S.Res.
500 (114th269 (117th Congress) Congress)
Recent House of Representatives resolutions:
H.Res. 480 (117th
S.Res. 620 (116th Congress) Congress)
H.Res. 450 (116th Congress)
H.Res. 948 (115th Congress)
H.Res. 386 (115th 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
S.Res. 253 (116th Congress)
Recent House of Representatives resolutions:
H.Res. 1308 (118th Congress)
H.Res. 505 (118th Congress)
H.Res. 1182 (117th Congress)
H.Res. 480 (117th Congress)
H.Res. 1001 (116th Congress)
H.Res. 450 (116th Congress)
Federal Holiday Legislation
116th Congress
H.Res. 1001 to recognize June 19H.Res. 1001 to recognize June 19
as Juneteenth Independence Day was introduced on June 15, as Juneteenth Independence Day was introduced on June 15,
2020.2020.
1313 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
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,
and Juneteenth became the and Juneteenth became the
12th12th federal holiday. federal holiday.
1414 Juneteenth National Independence Day is the Juneteenth National Independence Day is the
first holiday to be added to the list of federal holidays since the 1983 recognition of Rev. Dr. first holiday to be added to the list of federal holidays since the 1983 recognition of Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King, JrMartin Luther King, Jr
’'s birthday.s birthday.
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 observancethe District of Columbia have passed legislation recognizing it as a holiday or observance
. These states are listed in (see Table 1). . At least At least
2831 states along with the District of Columbia have designated states along with the District of Columbia have designated
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 proclamationgovernor to make an annual proclamation
. These states appear in (see 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.
1515 These states are not included These states are not included
inin Table 2.
Table 1. StatesState Laws That Commemorate or Observe Juneteenth
State
|
Year of First Observance
Citation
|
|
Alabama
|
2011
|
Al. SJR 157 (2011)
|
|
Alaska
|
2001
|
Alaska Stat. §44.12.090 (2001)
|
|
Arizona
|
2016
|
Ariz. Rev. Stat. §1-315 (2016)
|
Arkansas
|
2005
|
State
Observance
Citation
Alabama
2011
Al. SJR 157 (2011)
Alaska
2001
Alaska Stat. §44.12.090 (2001)
Arizona
2016
Ariz. Rev. Stat. §1-315 (2016)
Arkansas
2005
Ark. Code Ann. §1-5-114 (2005)
California
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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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Year of First
State
Observance
Citation
Colorado
2004
H.J. Res. 04-1027, 64th Gen. Assemb., 2nd
|
California
|
2003
|
Cal. Gov't Code §6719 (Deering 2003)
|
Colorado
|
2004
|
H.J. Res. 04-1027, 64th Gen. Assemb., 2nd Reg. Sess.
(Co. 2004)
Connecticut
2003
Connecticut
|
2003
|
Conn. Gen. Stat. §§10-29a(a)(48) (2003)
Delaware
2000
Delaware
|
2000
|
Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §604 (2000)
§604 (2000)
District of ColumbiaDistrict of Columbia
2003
2003
|
Res. 160, Res. 160,
15th15th Counsel, 2003 D.C. Counsel, 2003 D.C.
Florida
1991
Fla. Stat. §683.21 (1991)
Georgia
2011
|
Florida
|
1991
|
Fla. Stat. §683.21 (1991)
|
Georgia
|
2011
|
S.Res. 164S.Res. 164
, 151st, 151st Gen. Assemb., Reg. Sess (Ga. 1991) Gen. Assemb., Reg. Sess (Ga. 1991)
Hawaii
2021
Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. §8-32
Idaho
2001
|
Hawaii
|
2021
|
Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. §8-32
|
Idaho
|
2001
|
S. Con. Res. 101, 56th56th Leg., Reg. Sess. (Idaho 2001)
Il inois
2003
Illinois
|
2003
|
5 Ill. Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2003)
Indiana
2010
Indiana
|
2010
|
H. Con. Res. 38, H. Con. Res. 38,
116th116th Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind. Gen. Assemb., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ind.
2010)
Iowa
2002 2010)
Iowa
|
2002
|
Iowa Code §§1C.14 (2002)
Kansas
|
2007
|
(2002)
Kansas
2007
S.Res. 1860, S.Res. 1860,
82nd82nd Leg., Reg. Sess. (Kan. 2007) Leg., Reg. Sess. (Kan. 2007)
Kentucky
2005
Kentucky
|
2005
|
Ky. Rev. Stat. §§2.147 (2005)
Louisiana
2003
Louisiana
|
2003
|
La. Stat. Ann. §1:58:2 (2003)
Maine
2011
Maine
|
2011
|
Me. Stat. tit. 1, §§150-H (2011)
Maryland
2014
Maryland
|
2014
|
Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. §7-411 (2014)
Massachusetts
2007
Massachusetts
|
2007
|
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB§15BBBBB (2007)
Michigan
2005
Michigan
|
2005
|
Mich. Comp. Laws §§435.361 (2005)
Minnesota
1996
Minnesota
|
1996
|
Minn. Stat. §§10.55 (1996)
Mississippi
2010
Mississippi
|
2010
|
S.Con.Res. 605, 2010 Leg., Reg. Sess. (Miss. 2010)S.Con.Res. 605, 2010 Leg., Reg. Sess. (Miss. 2010)
Missouri
2003
Missouri
|
2003
|
Mo. Rev. Stat. §§9.161 (2003)
Montana
|
2017
|
(2003)
Montana
2017
Mont. Code Ann. §1-1-231 (2017)
Nebraska
|
2009
|
(2017)
Nebraska
2009
Leg. Res. 75, 101st101st Leg., Reg. Sess. (Neb. 2009)
Nevada
2011
Nevada
|
2011
|
Nev. Rev. Stat. §§236.033 (2011)
New Hampshire
2019
New Hampshire
|
2019
|
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:13-z (2019)
New JerseyNew Jersey
2004
2004
|
N.J. Rev. Stat. §§36:2-80 (2004)
New Mexico
2006
New Mexico
|
2006
|
N.M. Stat. Ann. §12-5-14 (2006)
New YorkNew York
2004
2004
|
N.Y. Exec. Law §168-a(3) (2004)
)
North CarolinaNorth Carolina
2007
2007 N.C. Sess. Laws 450
North Dakota
2021
S.B. 2232, 67th
2007
|
2007 N.C. Sess. Laws 450
|
North Dakota
|
2021
|
S.B. 2232, 67th Leg. Assemb., Reg. Sess. (N.D. 2021)
Ohioa
2006
Ohioa
|
2006
|
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §5.2234 (2006)
Oklahoma
1994 (2006)
Oklahoma
|
1994
|
Okla. Stat. tit. 25, §§82.4 (1994)
Oregon
|
2001
|
(1994)
Oregon
2001
S.J. Res. 31, 71st 71st Leg. Assemb. (Or. 2001)
Pennsylvania
2019
Pennsylvania
|
2019
|
2019 Pa. ALS 9
Rhode IslandRhode Island
2012
2012
|
S.B. 2262, 2011-2012 Leg. Sess.S.B. 2262, 2011-2012 Leg. Sess.
(R.I. 2012)
South Carolina
|
2008
|
(R.I. 2012)
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Year of First
State
Observance
Citation
South Carolina
2008
S.C. Code Ann. §53-3-85 (2008)
South Dakota
2022
South Dakota
|
2022
|
S.D. Codified Law §1-5-1 (2022)
Tennessee
|
2007
|
2007 Bill (2022)
Tennessee
2007
2007 Bil Text TN H.J.R. 170Text TN H.J.R. 170
Texas
1980
Texas
|
1980
|
Tex. Gov’'t Code Ann. §662.003 (1980)
Utah
|
2016
|
(1980)
Utah
2016
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-401(1)(g)g) (2016)
Vermont
2007
Vermont
|
2007
|
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 1, §375§375 (2007)
Virginia
2007
Virginia
|
2007
|
H.Res. 56, 2007 Sess. (Va. 2007)
Washington
2007
Washington
|
2007
|
Wash. Rev. Code §1.16.050(1)(f) (2007)
West Virginia
2008
West Virginia
|
2008
|
H.Res. 19, 78th 78th Leg., 2d Sess. (W. Va. 2008)
Wisconsin
2009
Wisconsin
|
2009
|
Wis. Stat. §§995.20 (2009)
Wyoming
|
2003
|
(2009)
Wyoming
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 This table includes the first instance of a state
’'s recognition of Juneteenth or the first legislation that 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 daycommemorations or recognitions of the day
’'s significance.s significance.
a.
a. Ohio enacted a Ohio enacted a
bil bill in 2006 to recognize September 22 as a state holiday called Emancipation Day. In 2021, 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.
Table 2. States Where Juneteenth Is Observed as a Permanent Paid State and/or
Legal Holiday
State Legal Holiday
State
|
Year Enacted
Citation
California
2022
Cal. Gov. Code §6700 (2022) eff. Sept. 29, 2022
Colorado
2022
Colo. Rev. Stat §24-11-101 (2022)
Connecticut
2022
Citation
|
Alabamaa
|
2025
|
Alabama Code §1-3-8
|
Alaska
|
2024
|
Alaska Stat. §44.12.090
|
|
California
|
2022
|
Cal. Gov. Code §6700 (2022)
|
|
Colorado
|
2022
|
Colo. Rev. Stat §24-11-101 (2022)
|
Connecticut
|
2022
|
Conn. Gen. Stat. §Conn. Gen. Stat. §
1-4a (2022) =
Delaware
|
2021
|
1-4a (2022) eff. Oct. 1, 2022
Delaware
2021
Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §501 (2022)Del. Code Ann. tit. 1, §501 (2022)
District of District of
Columbiaa
2021
Columbiab
2021
|
D.C. Code §1-612.02(a) (2022)D.C. Code §1-612.02(a) (2022)
Georgiab
2022
Georgiac
|
2022
|
Ga. Code Ann. §1-4-1 (2022)Ga. Code Ann. §1-4-1 (2022)
Idahob
2021
Idahoc
|
2021
|
Idaho Code §73-108 (2022)Idaho Code §73-108 (2022)
Il inois
2021
5 Il . Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2022)
Louisiana
2021
|
Illinois
|
2021
|
5 Ill. Comp. Stat. 490/63 (2022)
|
Louisiana
|
2021
|
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §1:55.1 (2022)La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §1:55.1 (2022)
Maine
2022
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, §59 (2022)
Maryland
2022
|
Maine
|
2022
|
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 5, §59 (2022)
|
Maryland
|
2022
|
Md. Ann. Code Art. GP, §1-111 (2022)Md. Ann. Code Art. GP, §1-111 (2022)
Massachusettsc
2021
Massachusettsd
|
2021
|
Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB (2022)Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 6, §15BBBBB (2022)
Michigan
2023
Michigan
|
2023
|
Mich. Comp. Laws §435.381 (2023)Mich. Comp. Laws §435.381 (2023)
Minnesota
2023
Minnesota
|
2023
|
Minn. Stat. §10.55 (2023)Minn. Stat. §10.55 (2023)
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State
Year Enacted
Citation
Missouribd
2013
Missourice
|
2013
|
Mo. Rev. Stat. Mo. Rev. Stat.
§9.015 (2013)
Nebraska
|
2022
|
§9.015 (2013)
Nebraska
2022
Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. §62-301 (2022)Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. §62-301 (2022)
Nevadae
2023
Nevadaf
|
2023
|
Nev. Rev. Stat. §236.033 (2023)Nev. Rev. Stat. §236.033 (2023)
New Jersey
2021
New Jersey
|
2021
|
N.J. Stat. §11A:6-24.1 (2022)N.J. Stat. §11A:6-24.1 (2022)
New York
|
2021
|
New York
2021
N.Y. Gen. Constr. Law §N.Y. Gen. Constr. Law §
24 (Consol. 2022)24 (Consol. 2022)
Ohio
2021
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §1.14 (2022)
Oregon
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
2022
S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022) eff. July 1, 2022
Tennessee
2023
Tenn. Stat. Ann. §15-1-101 eff. May 5, 2023
Texas
1980
Tex. Gov’t Code §662.003 (2022)
Utah
2022
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-301 (2022)
Vermont
2024
2024 Vt. S. 206 (2024)
Virginia
2020
|
Ohio
|
2021
|
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §1.14 (2022)
|
|
Oregon
|
2021
|
Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §187.010 (2021)
|
|
Pennsylvania
|
2019
|
Penn. P.L. 34, No.9 (2019)
|
|
Rhode Island
|
2023
|
R.I. Gen. Laws §25-3-1 (2023)
|
|
South Dakota
|
2022
|
S.D. Codified Laws §1-5-1 (2022)
|
|
Tennessee
|
2023
|
Tenn. Stat. Ann. §15-1-101 (2025) =
|
|
Texas
|
1980
|
Tex. Gov't Code §662.003 (2022)
|
|
Utah
|
2022
|
Utah Code Ann. §63G-1-301 (2022)
|
|
Vermont
|
2024
|
2024 Vt. S. 206 (2024)
|
Virginia
|
2020
|
Va. Code Ann. §2.2-3300Va. Code Ann. §2.2-3300
(2022)
Washington
|
2022
|
(2022)
Washington
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:
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. proclamations, decrees, or commemorations. New Mexico is not included in this list.
AlthoughJuneteenth is not included in New Mexico New Mexico
’s 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). a. See the 's list of legal holidays in N.M. Stat. Ann. §12-5-2. It was established in 2006 N.M. Stat. Ann. §12-5-14 as a day of commemoration and observance, and New Mexico's state personnel office has added Juneteenth to the list of paid state holidays on an annual basis, most recently in 2025 through General Memorandum 2024-007.
a. The Alabama legislature passed H.B. 165 in May 2025 to amend Alabama Code §1-3-8.
b. See the Technical Amendments Act of 2022, where Juneteenth National Independence Day has been added 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.
c. Juneteenth was first observed as a paid state holiday through a state statute that recognizes federal holidays 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.
d. The Massachusetts statute states, The Massachusetts statute states,
“"The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the 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. "
e. The Missouri legislature also passed a The Missouri legislature also passed a
bil (bill (H.B. 1738H.B. 1738
, 101st, 101st Gen. Assemb, Gen. Assemb,
2nd2nd Reg. Sess.) that made Reg. Sess.) that made
Juneteenth the Juneteenth the
13th13th legal holiday in the state. Mo. Rev. Stat. §9.010 went into effect on August 28, 2022. legal holiday in the state. Mo. Rev. Stat. §9.010 went into effect on August 28, 2022.
e.
f. The Nevada statute states, The Nevada statute states,
“"The Governor shall annually proclaim June 19 to be The Governor shall annually proclaim June 19 to be
‘'Juneteenth DayJuneteenth 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 Al Green, Representative Al Green,
“Recognizing "Juneteenth and Slavery Juneteenth and Slavery
Remembrance Day,” remarks in the House,Rememberance Day," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. , daily edition, vol.
169170 (June (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.
Congressional Research Service
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
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 Remarks,28, 2024), pp. H4430-H4431.
Representative Bruce Westerman, "Recognizing a Historic First-Time Celebration of Juneteenth in the Bluff," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 170 (June 26, 2024), pp. H4155-H4156.
Representative Don Davis, "Celebrating Juneteenth," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. , daily edition, vol.
168170 (June (June
14, 2022), p. E617.
Representative Ayanna Pressley, “Celebrating Juneteenth,”25, 2024), p. H4143.
Senator John Cornyn, "Juneteenth National Independence Day (Executive Session)," Congressional Record, daily edition, , daily edition,
vol. vol.
168170 (June (June
15, 2022), p. H5593.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “Celebrating Juneteenth,”18, 2024), pp. S4124-S4125.
Representative Al Green, "Recognizing Juneteenth and Slavery Remembrance Day," remarks in the House, remarks in the House,
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. , daily edition, vol.
167169 (June (June
14, 2021), pp. H2728-H2736.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, “The 2020 Observance of the Historical Significance of Juneteenth Independence Day,” Extension of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 166 (June 30, 2020), pp. E590-E591.
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, “Juneteenth,” remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 166 (June 18, 2020), pp. S3098-S3099.
Representative Antonio Delgado, “Recognizing Juneteenth,”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.
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 Remarks, Extensions of Remarks,
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. , daily edition, vol.
165168 (June (June
19, 2019), p. E769.
Senators Bill Nelson and Cory Booker, “Juneteenth Independence Day,” remarks in the Senate,14, 2022), p. E617.
Representative Ayanna Pressley, "Celebrating Juneteenth," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. , daily edition, vol.
164168 (June (June
19, 2018), pp. S4032-S4033.
15, 2022), p. H5593.
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
Statements and Messages by the President—Donald J. Trump (2025-)16
Statements and Messages by the President—Joseph R. Biden Jr. (2021- and Messages by the President—Joseph R. Biden Jr. (2021-
)
2024)
Statements and Messages by the President—Donald J. Trump (2017-2020)Statements and Messages by the President—Donald J. Trump (2017-2020)
17
Statements and Messages by the President—Barack H. Obama (2009-2016)Statements and Messages by the President—Barack H. Obama (2009-2016)
Statements and Messages by the President—George W. Bush (2002-2008)Statements and Messages by the President—George W. Bush (2002-2008)
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:
National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Museum of African American History & Culture,
“"The Historical Legacy of The Historical Legacy of
Juneteenth.Juneteenth.
”" This blog post provides a brief history of Juneteenth. This blog post provides a brief history of Juneteenth.
Smithsonian, Smithsonian,
“"Juneteenth: Our Other Independence DayJuneteenth: Our Other Independence Day
.”." This blog post includes pictures of 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, Library of Congress,
“"The Birth of Juneteenth; Voices of the Enslaved.The Birth of Juneteenth; Voices of the Enslaved.
”" This blog post includes 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, Library of Congress,
“"Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories.Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories.
”" This 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.
Congressional Research Service
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration,
“"National Archives Safeguards Original National Archives Safeguards Original
‘Juneteenth’'Juneteenth' General Order. General Order.
”" A short blog post that includes an image of handwritten General A short blog post that includes an image of handwritten General
Order No. 3.Order No. 3.
National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration,
“"The Emancipation Proclamation.The Emancipation Proclamation.
” The" Images of the original, original,
handwritten document.handwritten document.
Nongovernment Resources
Texas State Historical Association, Texas State Historical Association,
“Juneteenth.”"Juneteenth." A longer narrative of the history of Juneteenth. A longer narrative of the history of Juneteenth.
Washington Post, ,
“"What is Juneteenth? Emancipation history with photos.What is Juneteenth? Emancipation history with photos.
”" An interactive news 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?So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?
”" A primer on celebrating 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 Product
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.
Footnotes
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
16.
|
Link provides access to proclamations and remarks made by President Trump during both of his nonconsecutive terms, where available.
| 17.
|
Link provides access to proclamations and remarks made by President Trump during both of his nonconsecutive terms, where available.
|
Author Information
Devon Galena
Senior Knowledge Management Librarian
Acknowledgments
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.
Congressional Research Service
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Juneteenth: Fact Sheet
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.
Congressional Research Service
R44865 · VERSION 29 · UPDATED
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