Juneteenth Federal Holiday California

California Recognizes Juneteenth as a Paid Holiday

Governor Newsom Issues Proclamation

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a proclamation declaring Juneteenth a paid holiday in California. This move follows President Joe Biden signing a bill into law in 2021 making Juneteenth a national holiday.

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday has been celebrated in various ways since then, including parades, picnics, and speeches.

California has recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday since 2003, but state workers have not been given the day off. The new proclamation from Governor Newsom changes this, making California the first state to give its employees a paid day off for Juneteenth.

Recognition in Other Jurisdictions

In addition to California, several other jurisdictions have established Juneteenth as a paid holiday. These include:

• Los Angeles City
• San Francisco
• Oakland
• Sacramento

The recognition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday is a significant step forward in the fight for racial justice and equality. It is a day to celebrate the freedom of all Americans and to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality.