June 19, or Junettin, will now be a public holiday in the United States. To this day, Americans remember the abolition of slavery. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Thursday, making the plan official.
The House of Representatives already approved the bill Wednesday. Those fourteen votes came from Republican representatives.
On Thursday, Biden also gave his approval, making Junettin the eleventh national holiday in the United States. Junettin recalled that on June 19, 1865, the last slaves were freed in the United States in Calveston, Texas. The day has been recognized in the state since 1980. In some other states it already was. The call to turn this into a national holiday came in the wake of Black Lives Matter struggles against racism and excessive police brutality.
Biden said the signing of the bill would be one of the most colossal moments of his presidency. Since 1983, January 17 has been the first new holiday for Americans named Martin Luther King Day. By making Junett a public holiday, Biden said, “all Americans can feel the power of this day and learn from our history.”
The new law will take effect immediately, meaning it will be the first official juncture next Saturday.
“Introvert. Communicator. Tv fanatic. Typical coffee advocate. Proud music maven. Infuriatingly humble student.”
More Stories
US stars shine in lion’s den: Stephen Curry leads Team USA to gold
Russian Tortoises: The Ideal Pet for Reptile Enthusiasts
Biden and Xi want to sit down one last time