Juneteenth rises to new prominence as organizations commemorate ‘America’s second independence day’
More states and municipalities declare official holidays, as private organizations also step up recognition, many giving their employees the day off.
America’s Juneteenth (June 19) commemorations are looking a little different in 2021. More states, municipalities and private organizations are formally recognizing the holiday than ever before, holding events and celebrations, or just giving workers the day off.
In the months since the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the social justice movement that rose in its wake, Juneteenth has moved to a position of greater prominence in the U.S.
In 2020 and this year, five states—New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington—have made Juneteenth an official state holiday, while Hawaii and North Dakota both voted in April to make it a day of remembrance. Only South Dakota does not commemorate Juneteenth in some capacity.
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