What States Recognize Juneteenth as a Holiday
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Celebrated on June 19th each year, it marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to the enslaved African Americans there. While Juneteenth is celebrated across the nation, not all states recognize it as an official holiday. In this article, we will explore which states have officially recognized Juneteenth as a holiday.
California
California was one of the first states to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday. In 1980, Governor Jerry Brown signed a proclamation making Juneteenth an official state holiday. Since then, it has been celebrated annually on June 19th.
Colorado
Colorado became the second state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1992. Governor Roy Romer signed a proclamation declaring June 19th as Juneteenth, and it has been celebrated as a state holiday ever since.
Connecticut
Connecticut joined the list of states recognizing Juneteenth in 1995. Governor John Rowland signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Delaware
Delaware became the fourth state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 1999. Governor Tom Carper signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
Florida
Florida recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2000. Governor Jeb Bush signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Georgia
Georgia followed suit in 2001, with Governor Roy Barnes signing a proclamation that designated June 19th as Juneteenth.
Hawaii
Hawaii became the eighth state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2004. Governor Linda Lingle signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Idaho
Idaho recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2005. Governor Dirk Kempthorne signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
Illinois
Illinois became the eleventh state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2005. Governor Rod Blagojevich signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Maine
Maine joined the list of states recognizing Juneteenth in 2005. Governor John Baldacci signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
Maryland
Maryland recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2005. Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts became the twenty-first state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2007. Governor Deval Patrick signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
Michigan
Michigan recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2007. Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Minnesota
Minnesota became the twenty-third state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2008. Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
Nebraska
Nebraska recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2008. Governor Dave Heineman signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
New Jersey
New Jersey became the twenty-eighth state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2009. Governor Jon Corzine signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
New Mexico
New Mexico recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2009. Governor Bill Richardson signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
New York
New York became the thirty-first state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2010. Governor David Paterson signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
North Carolina
North Carolina recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2010. Governor Beverly Perdue signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma became the thirty-seventh state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2010. Governor Mary Fallin signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
South Carolina
South Carolina recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2011. Governor Nikki Haley signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Utah
Utah became the forty-first state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2012. Governor Gary Herbert signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
Virginia
Virginia recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2013. Governor Robert F. McDonnell signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
Washington
Washington became the forty-seventh state to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday in 2013. Governor Jay Inslee signed a proclamation, designating June 19th as Juneteenth.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2013. Governor Scott Walker signed a proclamation, making June 19th an official state holiday.
While the list of states recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday continues to grow, there are still many states that have not yet made it an official holiday. As awareness of the holiday and its significance continues to spread, it is hoped that more states will join the growing number of jurisdictions that celebrate this important day in American history.
