Congress hasn't approved a national holiday since 1983, when it created one to honor Martin Luther King Jr., but some lawmakers are trying to change that. In the past, both the House and the Senate have passed resolutions to recognize the importance of Juneteenth as part of the nation's history. According to The Huffington Post, this year Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, plans to introduce legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced Thursday that he too will introduce a bipartisan bill to make June 19 a federal holiday.
"I think Rep. Jackson Lee is right on target," says Molefi Kete Asante, who chairs the Department of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University. "It would be a national celebration that all Americans could participate in, because our memories reinforce our values of who we are," Asante says.
I found these facts interesting:
Currently 47 states ** and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday or observance. Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday, in 1980. This week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced that he would make Juneteenth a paid state holiday, and the city council in Portland, Ore., is making June 19 a paid holiday for city employees. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also signed an executive order to make Juneteenth a paid holiday for all state employees.
** the 3 states that do not: North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii
This effort is more than just adding another federal holiday to the calendar. It's about recognizing and celebrating independence.
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt