Rep. Sobecki Co-Sponsors Resolution To Declare Juneteenth A Federal Holiday
COLUMBUS — State Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo) today 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.
“The time for our country to recognize Juneteenth as a Federal holiday is now,” said Rep. Sobecki. “While our country continues to struggle with system racism, officially recognizing Juneteenth is an important step to take.”
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.