The Bill to Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday has been Unanimously Approved by the US Senate

The Bill to Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday has been Unanimously Approved by the US Senate

The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which establishes Juneteenth as a legal public holiday, was overwhelmingly enacted by the US Senate on Tuesday. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Following President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared "all individuals held as slaves" in rebellious states free people, the day became known as Emancipation Day in several southern states.

Enslaved African Americans in Texas were not informed of the Proclamation until June 19, 1865, even though it was issued on January 1, 1863. The next year, African Americans in Texas and several adjacent states commemorated Emancipation Day with a prayer session, inspirational speakers, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, personal tales from former slaves, food, red soda water, and dances.

To this note, Juneteenth National Independence Day, the eleventh US federal holiday, would be declared under Bill S.475, which would alter title 5 of the US Code. The bill is expected to be submitted to the House of Representatives after passing the Senate without modification.