Juneteenth is officially a paid holiday for the first time in New York City history.
Mayor Eric Adams announced on April 11 that Juneteenth, observed on June 19, would be officially designated as a paid New York City holiday.
“As the second Black mayor of New York City, I know that I stand on the shoulders of countless heroes and sheroes who put their lives on the line to secure a more perfect union. Now is the time for me to do a small part and recognize one of our nation’s greatest wrongs,” said Adams.
Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the day when federal troops in Galveston, Texas in 1865 announced that all enslaved people were free, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The day is recognized as the effective end of slavery in the United States and is considered as the longest-running African American holiday.
The holiday was officially designated as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
“Juneteenth is a time for reflection, assessment, and self-improvement. People across the country of all races, nationalities, and religions unite on this day to truthfully acknowledge the stain of slavery and celebrate the countless contributions of Black Americans. It’s time for our city to finally do what’s right and officially designate Juneteenth as a city holiday,” said Adams. “This decision is long overdue, which is why it will immediately take effect this year. Holding a mirror to our nation’s past atrocities is never easy, but it is necessary.”
