Today, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker made a proclamation declaring today, June 19th, "Juneteenth Independence Day" in the state. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is a day for recognition of how far we've come as a country but also a day to reflect on the need for continued work towards racial justice. Governor Baker wrote a one page proclamation where at the end he officially declared today, June 19th, 2020 to be "Juneteenth Independence Day" moving forward. Baker asks citizens in the state to "take cognizance" of the event and to participate in the day "fittingly".
See the governor's full proclamation here:
In addition to Governor Baker's proclamation, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made a public statement recognizing today, the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth.
Should Juneteenth be made not just an official state holiday but a federal holiday? Many companies are taking it upon themselves to recognize Juneteenth as a paid company holiday. I think Juneteenth should be made a state and federal holiday. It is a very significant day in U.S. history and quite honestly I'm surprised it isn't already a federal holiday! I say make it a holiday because I think it would certainly help in the current societal climate that we are in where people are demanding change and racial justice. What do you say?
-Producer Lightning