Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021? As Juneteenth approaches some have wondered if 19 June is a federal holiday. We explore whether the day is a federal holiday or a national holiday.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021?
Juneteenth as a holiday celebrates the emancipation of slavery in the US. Its name reflects 19 June 1865 as Union Army general Gordon Granger proclaimed slavery had been abolished in Texas.
June nineteenth has since merged together to be known as Juneteenth, which is recognised as a holiday in 47 states across the US.
Texas was the first state to recognise Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day as a recognised national holiday in 1980.
In June last year, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was introduced into Congress, which called for 19 June to become an official annual federal holiday.
After not receiving enough votes, the bill was reintroduced earlier this year in February. The progress of the bill can be tracked via Gov Track here.
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Twitter users disappointed Juneteenth is not a federal holiday
Many have taken to social media as they speak out on how they think Juneteenth should be a federal holiday celebrated nationwide.
Others have gone on to set up their own petitions to make 19 June a federal holiday.
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Ways to celebrate Juneteenth
As Juneteenth approaches, many will be looking for different ways they can celebrate the holiday. Oprah Daily has shared a few ways of celebrating, from attending talks and street fairs to looking into the history of the holiday.
You could also bring together friends and family in festivities of your own in a small gathering at home.
