Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a bill into law officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The bill, proposed by Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, passed the state legislature with bipartisan support.
The signing of the bill comes amidst a renewed national focus on racial justice and equality following the murder of George Floyd and the widespread protests that followed. Governor Dunleavy emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring the history of Juneteenth as a day of reflection and celebration.
Juneteenth has long been celebrated by African American communities across the country but has recently gained broader recognition and support as a day to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States. The holiday marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
By officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday, Alaska joins a growing number of states that have taken steps to honor this important day in American history. Governor Dunleavy’s signing of the bill signals a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the state, as well as a recognition of the contributions and resilience of African Americans in Alaska and across the country.
The holiday will provide an opportunity for Alaskans to learn about and reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, and to celebrate the progress made towards racial equality while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Juneteenth will now be a day for all Alaskans to come together in unity and remembrance.
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