Rep. Robinson Co-Sponsors Resolution To Declare Juneteenth A Federal Holiday
COLUMBUS— State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) last week signed onto a concurrent resolution urging Congress to designate June 19th a paid federal holiday. This date is to be known as Juneteenth Independence day in recognition of June 19, 1865, when news of the end of slavery reached the southwestern states two months after the end of the American Civil War.
“We celebrate ‘Juneteenth’ to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Given the watershed moment where our country is right now, this day of celebration takes on even more importance as we strive to build a beloved community that includes everyone, including Black Americans,” said Rep. Robinson. “I am proud to join my fellow House Democrats as co-sponsor for the resolution urging Congress to make Juneteenth a paid federal holiday. It’s a time all Americans should be celebrating.”
This resolution comes on the heels of civil unrest across the nation in support of racial equity and justice for African American communities. Federal acknowledgement of this notable date is one way to ensure minority communities can annually commemorate their history.