New York City Mayor Eric Adams publicly designates ‘Juneteenth’ as a paid city holiday for the first time in the city’s history. . On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was officially designated as a federal holiday.
The holiday, which falls on June 19, marks the anniversary of the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to announce that all enslaved people were free.
“Juneteenth is a time for reflection, assessment, and self-improvement. People across the country of all races, nationalities, and religions unite on this day to truthfully acknowledge the stain of slavery and celebrate the countless contributions of Black Americans,” Adams said. “It’s time for our city to finally do what’s right and officially designate Juneteenth as a city holiday. This decision is long overdue, which is why it will immediately take effect this year.”
Juneteenth is extensively considered the longest-running African American holiday.
