Cuomo signs legislation designating Juneteenth as an official public holiday in New York

Legislation celebrates Juneteenth – a day which commemorates Black and African American freedom and achievements

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday signed into law legislation (S.8598/A.10628) designating Juneteenth as an official public holiday in New York. The new law celebrates Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end to slavery and celebrates Black and African American freedom and achievements, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

Earlier this year, Cuomo issued an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday for state employees.

"I am incredibly proud to sign into law this legislation declaring Juneteenth an official holiday in New York state, a day which commemorates the end to slavery in the United States," Cuomo said. "This new public holiday will serve as a day to recognize the achievements of the Black community, while also providing an important opportunity for self-reflection on the systemic injustices that our society still faces today."

New York State Sen. Kevin Parker said, "Finally, we are beginning to acknowledge the historic oppression and injustices that African-Americans have endured. This holiday is a first step in reconciliation and healing that our great state needs in order to ensure equity for all people. Thank you governor for your support and advocacy."

Assembly member Alicia Hyndman said, "Juneteenth serves as a piece of history towards Black liberation in this country. I am glad to serve along with my colleagues in government and Gov. Cuomo as a part of ensuring these important parts of Black American history will continued to be told in our great state of New York."

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the news of liberation came to Texas more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on Jan. 1, 1863. African Americans across the state were made aware of their right to freedom on this day when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with federal troops to read General Order No. 3 announcing the end of the Civil War and that all enslaved were now free, as well as to maintain a presence in Texas for the purpose of enforcement of emancipation among slave-owners throughout the state.