Despite push, states slow to make Juneteenth a paid holiday
Jun 15, 2022
The effort to officially celebrate Juneteenth as a paid holiday has faced skepticism inside legislatures that have largely chosen symbolic gestures to recognize the holiday while curtailing certain conversations on race and racism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Recognition of Juneteenth, the effective end of slavery in the U.S., gained traction after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. But after an initial burst of action, the movement to have it recognized as an official holiday in the states has largely stalled.
Although almost every state recognizes Juneteenth in some fashion, many have been slow to do more than issue a proclamation or resolution, even as some continue to commemorate the Confederacy.
Lawmakers in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and other states failed to advance proposals this year that would have closed state offices and given most of their public employees paid time off for the June 19 holiday.
That trend infuriates Black leaders and community organizers who view making Juneteenth a paid holiday the bare minimum state officials can do to help honor an often overlooked and ignored piece of American history.
“Juneteenth marks the date of major significance in American history. It represents the ways in which freedom for Black people have been delayed,” said Democratic Rep. Anthony Nolan, who is Black, while arguing in favor of making Juneteenth a paid holiday in Connecticut on the House floor. “And if we delay this, it’s a smack in the face to Black folks.”
Juneteenth commemorates when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered in the Civil War and about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.
Last year, Congress and President Joe Biden moved swiftly to make Juneteenth a national holiday. It was the first time the federal government had designated a new national holiday since approving Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Yet the move didn’t result in an automatic adoption from most states.
In Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey issued another proclamation marking Juneteenth a state holiday earlier this week after state lawmakers refused to take action on a bill during their legislative session even after she voiced strong support for making it a permanent holiday back in 2021. The state closes down for Confederate Memorial Days in April.
Similarly, Wyoming's Republican Gov. Mark Gordon issued a statement last June saying he would work with lawmakers to make it a state holiday but no legislation was filed during the 2022 session.
In Tennessee, Republican Gov. Bill Lee quietly tucked enough funding — roughly $700,000 — to make Juneteenth a state paid holiday in his initial spending plan for the upcoming year.
Despite the bill gaining traction in the state Senate, GOP legislative leaders maintained there wasn’t enough support for the idea even as Tennessee law currently designates special observances for Robert E. Lee Day, Confederate Decoration Day and Nathan Bedford Forrest Day.
“I asked many people in my district over the last few days, well over 100 people, if they knew what Juneteenth was and only two of them knew,” said Republican Sen. Joey Hensley, who is white and voted against the proposal. “I just think we’re putting the cart before the horse making a holiday that people don’t know about.”
In South Carolina, instead of working to approve Juneteenth as a holiday, Senate lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would allow state employees to choose any day they want to take off instead of the Confederate Memorial Day currently enshrined as a paid holiday in state law. However, the House sent the bill to a committee where it died without a hearing when the Legislature adjourned for the session.
At the same time, many of these Republican-led areas have advanced bills limiting what can be taught about systematic racism in classrooms, while also spiking proposals aimed at expanding voting rights and police reform.
This year, nearly 20 states are expected to close state offices and give most of their public employees time off. At least six states officially adopted the holiday over the past few months, including Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, South Dakota, Utah and Washington. A bill introduced in California passed the Assembly and moved to the Senate this month, and individual cities such as Los Angeles have already signed proclamations making Juneteenth official.
“Becoming a state holiday will not merely give employees a day off, it will also give residents a day to think about the future that we want, while remembering the inequities of the past,” said Democratic Del. Andrea Harrison, who sponsored the Juneteenth legislation in Maryland this year. “It will help us to reflect how far we’ve come as a nation, how much more we need to do as humankind.”
Attempts to give Juneteenth the same deference as Memorial Day or July Fourth didn’t begin to gain traction until 2020, when protests sparked a nationwide push to address race after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the deaths of other Black people by police officers.
“George Floyd protests against police brutality brought awareness to Juneteenth because there were people of all races learning about its significance for the first time following a public push to self-educate and learn more about Black history, culture and injustices,” said Tremaine Jasper, a resident and business owner in Phoenix who has attended Juneteenth celebrations across Arizona with his family.
Some cities in Arizona, including Phoenix, have declared Juneteenth an official holiday, paying city employees and closing municipal buildings. However, lawmakers are not currently considering statewide recognition.
“There are so many other important issues that we need to tackle — education, political issues, reparations — before we prioritize making Juneteenth a statewide holiday,” Jasper said, noting that those looking to celebrate know where to go.
Jasper, who was born and raised in Arizona, said it is going to be an “uphill battle” to get the state to recognize Juneteenth because there is not a large enough Black population outside of its largest cities to make the push.
Arizona was also slow in recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, not doing so until 1992. It was one of the last states to officially recognize the civil rights leader.
___
Associated Press writer Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report. Mumphrey reported from Phoenix and is a member of The Associated Press’ Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her at https://twitter.com/cheymumph.
MORE NEWS
Meet Myles O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal’s stepson: the model, DJ and reality TV star took on the ex-LA Lakers star’s surname – now the duo are making waves in the music industry as the O’Neal Boyz
The younger O’Neal is a multi-hyphenate who made his runway debut with Dolce & Gabbana before landing a Coach campaign and appearing on Basketball Wives; now he’s making music with his stepdad
Meet Whitney Leavitt: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives ‘villain’ is a full-time influencer who’s been involved in multiple controversies, from ‘soft swinging’ to promoting Bellesa adult toys
The MomToker faced backlash in 2022 for a video of her dancing in hospital with her sick infant son; she’s now expecting her third child with husband Conner, who admitted to using Tinder while married.
Meet Noah Centineo’s mum Kellee Janel, who just got married: the spin and yoga instructor moved to LA for her son’s acting career … then he scored the lead in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Last month the former teen heartthrob and The Fosters alum walked his mother down the aisle on Italy’s Amalfi Coast – but what do we know about his biggest supporter over the years?
Interest rate cut hopes raised as wage growth slows
Expectations of a rate cut next month increase as pay growth slows to its lowest rate for more than two years.
20 Travel Products From Target So Good, Even Light Packers Will Make Space For Them
We support you and your zero checked bags EVER agenda. View Entire Post ›
Disney+ K-drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born – Kim Tae-ri in evocative period music drama
Kim Tae-ri stars as talented young singer Yoon Jeong-nyeon whose mother (Moon So-ri) tries to stop her singing, in this Disney+ period drama.
The Stock Market’s Bullish Run Is Likely to Continue, Analysts Say
The bullishness on Wall Street is largely based on confidence that the Federal Reserve will tame inflation, the economy will remain solid and corporate earnings will continue to grow.
Tina Brown, the Queen of Legacy Media, Takes Her Diary to Substack
She made her name leading glossy magazines. Now she’s joining the newsletter flock.
Pitchfork Alumni Launch New Music Publication, Hearing Things
After the popular publication was folded into GQ, a group of them is striking out on its own. One of the first orders of business: doing away with album scores.
PM does not rule out NI rise for employers
Sir Keir Starmer says this month's Budget was "going to be tough" but would "focus on rebuilding our country".
3 Las Vegas Experiences That Deserve Way More Attention, And 3 That Can't Get Much More Overrated
Some of these places deserve wayyyyyy more attention. Others, I definitely could have passed on. View Entire Post ›
Salzburg’s Mozart trail, from composer’s birthplace to his family home and favourite cafe
Stroll around Austria’s fourth largest city and take in the places where Mozart was born, lived, and composed and conducted music.
It's not the pizza, say dermatologists. What really causes acne breakouts
As common as acne is, experts say there are some popular misconceptions about its causes. Research suggests diet and poor hygiene are not the clear culprits, but rather a multitude of factors are at play, including genetics, hormonal changes — and stress.
This Guelph, Ont., couple is looking for a surrogate via social media after frustrating search
For Stephanie Craig and Mike Murphy, trying to grow their family has been difficult. Craig had a miscarriage in 2018 at 24 weeks and they tried IVF. Since then, the Guelph, Ont., couple have been looking for a surrogate, including now through social media.
Bridging the Action-Awareness Gap: Trip.com Group’s 2024 Sustainable Travel Consumer Report Insights
Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, reveals that while sustainability awareness is rising among travellers, there remains a gap between awareness and action. This is one of the key insights from the Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2024 that the Group released today.
Four Seasons and Lucid Team Up to Offer Guests Sustainable Driving Experiences
Global luxury hospitality leader Four Seasons and Lucid Group, Inc., maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, announce a new partnership grounded in a shared vision of an exceptional, sustainable lifestyle. The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to environmental stewardship and responds to a growing guest desire for added flexibility and unique, eco-friendly experiences during their stay.
Unveiling the Neolithic: Türkiye Hosts Groundbreaking Global Congress
From 4th -8th November , 2024, the Southeastern Anatolian city of Şanlıurfa, home to the globally significant Neolithic sites of Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, will host the World Neolithic Congress, the first of its kind. Organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), this pioneering event will bring together approximately 1,000 scholars from 64 countries and 487 institutions to advance research and understanding of Neolithic cultures worldwide.
Sardinia Beyond Summer
As autumn takes hold across Europe, Chia Laguna Resort, Sardinia welcomes guests seeking warm temperatures and activity filled days. Following an outstanding season marked by double-digit growth in occupancy rates, the resort welcomes all types of traveller to three distinct properties - Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia - Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hotel Village
Innsbruck Winter Safari - Five Unique Experiences in the Capital of the Alps
A far cry from the traditional African safari and catching sight of the ‘Big Five’ – Austria’s ‘Capital of the Alps’ offers instead five unique experiences for winter wanderers. From skiing under the stars or travelling through time at a Victorian Christmas market, to a magnificent carnival event that is only held every five years, the Innsbruck region is a hidden jewel, just waiting to be discovered.
The Gambia Experience Celebrates First Flight With a Vibrant Cultural Welcome
The Gambia Experience celebrated its first flight of the season departing from Gatwick to Banjul on Friday, (11th Oct) marking over 35 years of winter sun holidays to The Gambia. Upon arrival at Banjul International Airport, passengers were warmly welcomed by The Gambia Experience resort team and British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Harriet King before being treated to a vibrant and welcoming reception from a local dance troupe, The Jola Cultural Group. Their energetic drumbeats and colourful costumes set the tone for a memorable holiday, providing an authentic, immersive experience, and first taste of the rich cultural traditions that make the destination so special.
I'm a two-Michelin-star chef - and this is why British food is the BEST in the world. Do YOU agree?
The vote of confidence comes from Jeremy Chan, head chef at restaurant Ikoyi in London and who's created the new first-class menu for Eurostar.
Stay22 Expands Partnership With Booking.com
Stay22, the travel tech company that offers affiliate revenue generation opportunities for travel content creators, has announced the integration of Booking.com’s wide range of products. This partnership will offer Stay 22’s network of over 2,700 global content creators the opportunity to generate revenue from every element of the travel experience in one place, including accommodations, flights, car rentals, and attractions, within their platforms.
If You Refuse To Check Any Bags While Traveling, You Need These 27 Carry-On Essentials
Genius packing hacks, like a shirt that can be worn six ways, solid shampoo bars, and more. View Entire Post ›
Octopus farming is cruel and governments must stop funding it, farm reform campaigners say
Octopuses are intelligent, solitary creatures, and governments must stop funding ‘cruel and unsustainable’ octopus farms, reformers say.
Google turns to nuclear to power AI data centres
The tech giant says it will use energy from small reactors to power its use of artificial intelligence.
Want to eat like royalty? Visit a stunning Scottish mansion owned by King Charles charity
For US$490 you can eat an authentic 18th century feast served by a butler at the British monarch’s table in Dumfries House, Scotland.
Hong Kong’s Chinese Culture Festival inspires sense of heritage and national pride
Four-month event featured music, dance, Chinese opera, multi-arts programmes, films, exhibitions, lectures, artist talks and masterclasses.
South Korean rapper Lil Cherry, aka Mukkbang Mama, on working with her brother Goldbuuda and how her song ‘Crying in da Club’ was partly inspired by Lucy Liu’s character in Charlie’s Angels
The poet-turned-rapper tells Style about seeing Flo Rida perform in high school, and how All Eggs in the Basket is not just the name of her upcoming release but a mantra for life.
K-pop band CNBlue reflects on their 14-year career and new mini-album X
CNBlue hit the big time in 2010 after their song Loner became a huge hit, and 14 years on, they talk about their career and new mini album X.
Americans, Share With Us The "Culture Shock" Moments You Had While Traveling To Another State
The Southern California mind (me) cannot comprehend the concept of a Vermont autumn... View Entire Post ›
Americans suing for right to buy Hermès Birkin bags add fraud, false advertising claims
Plaintiffs in antitrust case over Hermès limiting ability to buy coveted bags to customers who purchase other items amend their complaint.
Style Edit: Margot Robbie, the latest face of Chanel N°5, stars with Jacob Elordi in a short film inspired by the spirit of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel
A Chanel ambassador since 2018, Robbie succeeds the likes of Nicole Kidman, Catherine Deneuve and Marion Cotillard as the face of the iconic fragrance.
Trump and Harris Both Like a Child Tax Credit but With Different Aims
Kamala Harris’s campaign is pushing a version of the credit intended to fight child poverty, while Donald J. Trump sees the program primarily as a tax cut for people higher up the income scale.
Tired of pumpkin spice? Here are meaningful ways to ring in the fall season in sunny L.A.
I went on a quest to find worthwhile fall rituals. Here's what I found.
Would Donald Trump’s taxes on trade hurt US consumers?
What could happen if Donald Trump drastically increases tariffs as he has promised to do?
Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 2024: 10 of the best movies to see, including The Last Dance
This year’s programme includes a drama ripped from Hong Kong headlines, a social satire in a near-future Japan and a modern romantic drama.
Why there's a rush of African satellite launches
Falling launch costs have given African nations a chance to send their own satellites into orbit.
American equal pay icon Lilly Ledbetter dies aged 86
Alabama woman's case led to law, signed by Barack Obama, that gave Americans more rights to sue for pay discrimination.
Meet former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s youngest daughter Alexandra: the Emmy-nominated filmmaker is a prolific documentarian and describes herself as the ‘paparazzi of the family’
The youngest Pelosi’s 2022 documentary, Pelosi in the House, includes recordings she made of the January 2021 US Capitol attack – footage that was later used during an investigation into the riots
Killing of Japanese Boy Leaves Chinese Asking: Is This My Country?
Angry at what they view as China’s state-led xenophobia, taught in schools and prevalent online, some people are taking action, even at personal risk.