Gov. Walz Calls On Legislature To Make Juneteenth A State Holiday

MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz Friday issued a proclamation to officially recognize June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in the state of Minnesota to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Walz is also calling on the legislature to work with community to establish a state holiday recognizing Juneteenth.

The 155-year-old holiday celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States.

President Abraham Lincoln freed all enslaved persons in rebelling states by executive order on Jan. 1, 1863. But his Emancipation Proclamation had little immediate effect on those held deep in Confederate territory. It wasn't until more than 2 1/2 years later, on June 19, 1865, that Union Gen. Gordon Granger finally brought word to Galveston, Texas, that slavery had been abolished, resulting in celebrations.

"Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day, celebrating freedom and justice and emphasizing education, achievement, and tolerance," reads Walz’s proclamation.

"We must do everything in our power to come together to deconstruct generations of systemic racism in our state so that every person in Minnesota – Black, Indigenous, Brown, and White – can be safe and thrive."

The proclamation notes the significance of this year’s Juneteenth Freedom Day as Minnesotans grapple with the state’s racial injustices during the 100th commemoration of the lynching of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie on June 15, 1920 in Duluth, and the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

The Minnesota Legislature would need to pass legislation to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday, according to a news release. The governor is asking the state legislative leaders to draft and advance a bill that he could sign into law.

"It took more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed for news of freedom to reach enslaved African-Americans in Texas," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

"Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder that justice does not come in one action nor is it quick. It is the work we must never stop doing."

J. Ryne Danielson, Patch Staff, contributed to this report