US President Joe Biden is to sign a law to make June 19 or “Juneteenth” a national holiday. This holiday will be recognized by federal government to commemorating end of slavery after American Civil War.
Highlights
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Bill to establish Juneteenth National Independence Day was supported in both houses of US Congress and now needs to be approved by White House to become law.
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It was passed in the backdrop of killing of George Floyd that triggered anti-racism protests in US.
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Juneteenth is going to be first new federal holiday created in almost four decades.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, combination of June and nineteenth, is observed on June 19 every year. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of end of slavery in America. The day is recognized as holiday in 47 US states and District of Columbia. Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day.
Background
Juneteenth celebration started in 1866 from state of Texas, with community-centric events like cookouts, parades, prayer gatherings, historical & cultural readings and musical performances. While, era of “Modern Juneteenth Movement” started in 1994 from New Orleans in Louisiana with objective of greater recognition of Juneteenth.