Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation, Wednesday, declaring Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan. Then new state holiday came about in bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana and state Representative Helena Scott.
In Michigan, June 19th will now be celebrated as a day to shine a focus on Black history and culture, commemorate the end of slavery in America.
“On Juneteenth, we come together to celebrate fundamental American values of freedom and equality, embodied by the stories and legacies of the Black community, ,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in a statement.
“Juneteenth is a moment of celebration and reflection, but it is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to action. Since I took office, we have been focused on making Michigan a more equitable place where every Michigander has equal opportunity to succeed. Together, we have invested in communities in every region of Michigan, taken action to close racial gaps in health care and education, and banned race-based discrimination against natural hair. June 19th will forever be known as Juneteenth in Michigan and I encourage every Michigander to reflect on our history and celebrate the values that we will continue fighting for together.”
Juneteenth was followed by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. The amendments, ending slavery, and guaranteed equal protection under the law to all citizens. It also granted all men the right to vote.
It was June 19th, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and read General Order #3.
He stated all enslaved people were free, and that former masters and enslaved people were equal in personal and property rights.
“Juneteenth is an important opportunity to highlight the stories of Black Michiganders and celebrate the path we are walking toward the freedom, equality, and justice that is the promise of Michigan and America,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This bill will codify Juneteenth into law as a state holiday and ensure we take time every Juneteenth to recognize both the progress we have made and the work we must continue to do together. As Michigan’s first Black Lieutenant Governor, I am proud to work alongside Michiganders to address issues like the disparities in health care access and discrimination at school or the workplace, and make record investments in infrastructure, education, and environmental justice that particularly impact Black Michiganders. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed.
Governor Whitmer worked with state and union representatives as a part of a collective bargaining agreement last year to make Juneteenth a state holiday for all state employees prior to legislation passing.
