Juneteenth Is Now A State Holiday In Virginia

Virginia will now recognize Juneteenth has a statewide holiday. On October 14, Governor Ralph Northam announced that lawmakers unanimously approved legislation during the Virginia General Assembly special session.

"Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States," Gov. Northam said in press conference. "It's time we elevate this, not just a celebration by and for some Virginians, but one acknowledged and celebrated by all Virginians."

Juneteenth is celebrated each year on June 19 and commemorates when news of the Emancipation Proclamation made its way to Texas, the final state to abolish slavery, over two years after the order was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Gov. Northam proposed making Juneteenth a state holiday in June, saying it was time for the important day to be acknowledged and celebrated by all.

"It finally shut the door on the enslavement of African-American people. And while it did not end racism, black oppression or violence, it is an important symbol," he said. "By commemorating it, we push people to think about the significance of Juneteenth."

This isn't the first time Gov. Northam has signed into law holidays celebrating often overlooked and underrepresented groups. Earlier this month, he declared Monday, October 12, 2020, celebrated nationally as Columbus Day, as Indigenous Peoples' Day, as a way to "celebrate our tribal communities and promote reconciliation, healing, and continued friendship with Virginia's Indian tribes."

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