Governor McKee Signs Legislation Making Juneteenth a Paid State Holiday

Juneteenth • Rhode Island • Holiday:

Rhode Island Governor Signs Legislation Making Juneteenth a State Holiday

Governor Dan McKee signed legislation on Monday making Juneteenth a state holiday in Rhode Island. The legislation, which was passed unanimously by the Rhode Island General Assembly, establishes Juneteenth National Freedom Day as a paid state holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19, the date in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom.

"Juneteenth is a day of great significance for our nation, and it is only fitting that we recognize it as a state holiday," said Governor McKee. "This is a day to celebrate the freedom that so many have fought for, and it is a day to reflect on the progress that we have made and the work that still remains to be done."

The legislation was sponsored by Representative Edith Ajello and Senator Harold Metts. "Juneteenth is a day of great importance to the African American community," said Representative Ajello. "It is a day to celebrate our freedom and to reflect on the sacrifices that were made to achieve it. I am proud that we were able to pass this legislation and make Juneteenth a state holiday in Rhode Island."

The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2024.

In addition to Rhode Island, several other states have recently made Juneteenth a state holiday, including New York, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The federal government also designated Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021.

The recognition of Juneteenth as a state holiday is a significant step in the ongoing effort to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture. It is also a reminder of the importance of continuing to fight for racial justice and equality.