Juneteenth is now a paid city holiday in New York City.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the decision on Monday, noting that it is “long overdue” and will take effect “immediately” this year on June 19.
“Juneteenth is a time for reflection, assessment, and self-improvement,” Adams said in a statement. “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. It’s time for our city to finally do what’s right and officially designate Juneteenth as a city holiday.”
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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.
Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/W0yPmKTl5q
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 11, 2022
Juneteenth commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, when news of the emancipation of slaves reached those in the southwestern United States. It became a federal holiday last year.
Adams’s predecessor, former Mayor Bill de Blasio, unveiled the Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan for the city in June 2021. It included universal scholarship accounts for kindergarten students and some college scholarships for black and low-income students.
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Cook County in Illinois, where Chicago is located, voted to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday for its employees at the end of 2020. Juneteenth became a paid holiday in Prattville, Alabama, in October 2021.
