NJ Senators Aim To Make Juneteenth A State Holiday

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey could join other states around the country in marking the end of slavery with a state holiday under legislation set to be introduced by state Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Sandra Cunningham.

The legislation would make Juneteenth, which marks the date in 1865 when slaves in Texas were told of the Emancipation Proclamation, an official state holiday.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the country.

"Juneteenth marks a day of freedom for Black Americans who suffered the cruelty of slavery, and an opportunity to honor the history and contributions of African Americans," Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland), said. "This takes on greater significance as the entire country is confronting the racism and inequality that is the bitter legacy of slavery. We can use June 19th and the days that follow to undue past harms and renew our commitment to justice and equality for all."

Protests and marches have been held all over the country since Memorial Day, when George Floyd died while in police custody in Minneapolis, after an officer knelt on his neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds.

That officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with the death of Floyd, 46. Floyd died after saying that he was struggling to breathe during the arrest, video shows. Three other officers also were charged in the incident, and all four have been fired from the Minneapolis police department.

The legislation establishing the state holiday won’t be enacted in time for Juneteenth this year, but Sweeney and Cunningham said New Jersey residents could honor the spirit of the bill by marking the day on Friday.

"Over 150 years after the first celebration of Juneteenth, I am glad this holiday is finally getting the recognition it deserves," said Cunningham (D-Hudson). "By formally recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday we can inspire more people to learn about its meaning and help them gain a better understanding of just how slow progress has been for the Black community."

It was on June 19, 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were told about the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln announced on Sept. 22, 1862 following the Battle at Antietam, and then signed on Jan. 1, 1863, according to History.com.

It was 901 days before the announcement was made in Texas on June 19, 1865. Lincoln did not live to see it; he was assassinated two months earlier, on April 15, 1865.

"Juneteenth has evolved as a date to celebrate the end of slavery, to cultivate an appreciation of African American history and culture, and to address the injustices Black Americans continue to experience," the news release announcing the Sweeney-Cunningham bill said.

You can read the Emancipation Proclamation here.