Who Created Juneteenth Federal Holiday?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States to commemorate the ending of slavery. It is a day that marks the day when the last enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. However, the question of who created Juneteenth as a federal holiday remains a topic of interest and debate among historians and the public alike.
The origin of Juneteenth as a federal holiday can be traced back to the efforts of various individuals and organizations. One of the key figures in the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday was Mary B. Latimer, a former enslaved woman who played a significant role in spreading the word about the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas. Latimer, along with other former enslaved individuals, worked tirelessly to inform others of their newfound freedom and organized celebrations to mark the occasion.
Another influential figure in the creation of Juneteenth was the Texas State Representative Al Edwards. In 1979, Edwards introduced a bill to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday in Texas. The bill passed, and on June 17, 1980, Governor Bill Clements signed it into law, making Texas the first state to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. This state recognition paved the way for the national recognition of the holiday.
The national recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday was the result of a collective effort by African American organizations, activists, and supporters. The National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) played a significant role in advocating for the holiday’s federal recognition. The NJOF was founded in 1988 by Julian Bond, the former chairman of the NAACP, and others who were committed to ensuring that Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday.
In 1997, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas introduced a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The bill gained the support of both Democratic and Republican representatives, as well as senators. However, it faced opposition from some members of Congress who were concerned about the cost of adding another federal holiday. Despite the opposition, the bill passed both houses of Congress in 1999, and on June 18, 1999, President Bill Clinton signed it into law, making Juneteenth the 36th federal holiday in the United States.
In conclusion, the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is the result of the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations. From Mary B. Latimer and Al Edwards to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, these individuals have played pivotal roles in ensuring that Juneteenth is recognized as a day to celebrate the end of slavery and honor the resilience of African Americans.
