May 31st 2024.
It's official - Rhode Island will be celebrating Juneteenth as a state holiday for the very first time in its history. The bill, signed by Governor Dan McKee in 2023, will establish Juneteenth National Freedom Day as an official state holiday starting in 2024. This momentous decision was made in recognition of the holiday's immense significance to the Black community in the state.
In a press release, Governor McKee shared his thoughts on this momentous occasion, stating, "Today, Rhode Island is taking a crucial step in officially acknowledging the horrors and injustices of slavery. By making Juneteenth an official holiday, we are not only recognizing our past, but also highlighting the progress we have made towards creating a more equal and just world. However, this also serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead. On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, I want to extend my gratitude to the leaders and community members who have led this charge and ensured that this significant chapter in our nation's history is properly recognized for generations to come."
The celebrations are set to take place around New England, and many notable organizations such as Rhode Island College, the Rhode Island Unity Center, and Rhode Island Alumni have come together to show their support for this historic moment. Additionally, Governor McKee himself spoke about the importance of this decision, stating that "Juneteenth is not just a Black tradition, but an American tradition. It serves as a reminder of how far our country has come and the progress we have made in the face of adversity."
Helen Baskerville-Dukes, the President and Executive Director of Rhode Island's Juneteenth Committee, also shared her thoughts on the matter. In an interview with ABC 6, she explained the significance of Juneteenth and the two-and-a-half-year gap between the Emancipation Proclamation and the enslaved being notified of their freedom. She emphasized the importance of remembering this part of American history and how it has shaped our nation.
Baskerville-Dukes also delved into the history of Juneteenth becoming a holiday in Rhode Island, mentioning the various events and celebrations that have taken place since its inception. She also highlighted the significance of Juneteenth spreading beyond Texas, where it was first celebrated, to all the places where Texans settled after leaving the state. This showcases the impact and legacy of Black Texans and their traditions.
As Annette Gordon-Reed, the author of "On Juneteenth," explained in an essay for The New Yorker, Juneteenth has become a symbol of Black humanity in the face of oppression. Jelani Cobb also wrote about the holiday in the same publication, describing how Juneteenth acts as a reference point for the turning point of our nation.
In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a national holiday, and since then, it has been celebrated more widely than ever before. This day, observed on the 19th of June each year, serves as a reminder of the last enslaved persons being informed of their freedom in 1865. It is a day to honor the resilience and strength of the Black community and to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation.
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