Acting to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and to honor the history and contributions of Black Americans, the Governor signed legislation today that would make Juneteenth an official state holiday.
The measure, S-19, was sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senator Sandra Cunningham, Senator Joe Cryan and Senator Ronald Rice.
“Juneteenth marks a day of freedom for Black Americans who suffered the cruelty of slavery and an opportunity to honor the history and contributions of African Americans,” Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland) said. "This takes on greater significance as the entire country is confronting the racism and inequality that is the bitter legacy of slavery. We can use June 19th and the days that follow to undo past harms and renew our commitment to justice and equality for all.”
“We have a lot to learn from our history and unfortunately, the delay in ending slavery and the lasting impact the institution has on our country is not taught enough,” Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson) said. “We want everyone to remember that Juneteenth is part of the history of all Americans. Hopefully, through this law, as well as deeper education and a more honest review of our nation's history, more New Jerseyans can realize the significance of Juneteenth and understand the systemic issues that have continued to plague our country since that day in 1865.”
“This is a way of recognizing the end of slavery in America as an important milestone in the Nation’s history,” Senator Cryan (D-Union) said. ”A state holiday won’t change everything, but it will provide a platform to increase the understanding of what has happened in the past so that we can learn from it. When we recognize the experiences of history, we are better for it. We can be enriched as a state and more able to move towards equality for everyone.”
“Juneteenth is not only a holiday on the ending of slavery in this country but also a reflection on the history of slavery and the suffering sustained by the Black community since 1619,” Senator Ron Rice (D-Essex) said. “Black history in this country is a continued battle for social progress, and right now we are seeing people from all backgrounds fight for that progress and improve upon what has been gained. I am glad more people are learning about Juneteenth because the more we educate people, the more we can start a dialogue on how to fix the racial divide in this country. I look forward to Juneteenth next year where everyone in New Jersey will celebrate and reflect together.”