Great Lakes Wire

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana and state Representative Helena Scott, declaring Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan. In Michigan, June 19th will now be celebrated as Juneteenth, a day to highlight Black history and culture, commemorate the end of slavery in America and celebrate fundamental values we all hold dear—freedom, liberty, and equality.  

 “On Juneteenth, we come together to celebrate fundamental American values of freedom and equality, embodied by the stories and legacies of the Black community,” said Governor Whitmer. “Juneteenth is a moment of celebration and reflection, but it is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to action. Since I took office, we have been focused on making Michigan a more equitable place where every Michigander has equal opportunity to succeed. Together, we have invested in communities in every region of Michigan, taken action to close racial gaps in health care and education, and banned race-based discrimination against natural hair. June 19thwill forever be known as Juneteenth in Michigan and I encourage every Michigander to reflect on our history and celebrate the values that we will continue fighting for together."

 On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas and read General Order #3, stating that all enslaved people were free, and that former masters and enslaved people were absolutely equal in personal and property rights. Juneteenth was followed by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments ending slavery, guaranteeing equal protection under the law to all citizens, and granting all men the right vote. 

 “Juneteenth is an important opportunity to highlight the stories of Black Michiganders and celebrate the path we are walking toward the freedom, equality, and justice that is the promise of Michigan and America,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This bill will codify Juneteenth into law as a state holiday and ensure we take time every Juneteenth to recognize both the progress we have made and the work we must continue to do together. As Michigan’s first Black Lieutenant Governor, I am proud to work alongside Michiganders to address issues like the disparities in health care access and discrimination at school or the workplace, and make record investments in infrastructure, education, and environmental justice that particularly impact Black Michiganders. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed." 

 Last year, as a part of a collective bargaining agreement the Governor worked with the state and union leaders to make Juneteenth a state holiday for all state employees before legislation was passed. 

 “For years, Wayne County has recognized Juneteenth as a holiday, to serve as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. State-wide recognition of Juneteenth encourages families of every culture and race to foster an understanding, engage in dialogue and come to appreciate that African American History is American History,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.

 "This is important to the descendants of slaves who received this news two years later,” state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). “More importantly it elevates our awareness that we have a second Independence Day in American history."

  “I was extremely proud to have introduced legislation to establish Juneteenth, on June 19th, as a state-recognized holidays," said State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit). "Recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday I feel is a crucial and necessary effort to expand racial justice and equity in Michigan. All Michiganders can have the opportunity to reflect on the tough survival instincts and experiences of the African-American slave, and the triumph with which African-Americans first celebrated the abolition of slavery, and why the freeing of slaves is one of the most important events of our country’s past. Enacting Juneteenth as a state-recognized holiday is a first step in acknowledging history and why it matters. It also gives the State of Michigan a chance to celebrate Black individuals and their descendants, while coming together to reflect on the importance of protecting our freedoms, equally, for all citizens.”

 Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day, constitutes the continuous fight for true freedom,” said NAACP Michigan State Conference President, Yvonne M. White. “Freedom is a thread, and a fight, woven through this nation's history and current political climate. In spite of attempts to limit access to the ballot box, economic/education empowerment, and basic civil rights – we thrive together. The NAACP applauds Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist for their bold leadership in making Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan, celebrating true freedom for all.”

“I join the Michiganders around the State in applauding Governor Whitmer for officially naming Juneteenth as a state holiday and shining a light on this day, its history, and what it means to the descendants of slaves, our State and this Nation,” said Detroit City Council President, Mary Sheffield. “This is a welcomed announcement as we are on the heels of the first celebration of Juneteenth as a paid holiday in the City of Detroit. This effort to also make Juneteenth a state holiday amplifies the importance and significance of our history and is illustrative of the commitment to diversity and inclusion under the Whitmer/Gilchrist Administration.”

 Since they took office, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist have been committed to making Michigan a more equitable and just state. The governor assembled the most diverse cabinet in Michigan's history to ensure that government is more representative of all Michiganders. Nearly 350 Black Michiganders are currently serving as appointees across Michigan’s boards, commissions, and full-time positions, and more than 60% of appointees are women or people of color. The governor has also appointed 28 Black Michiganders to the bench out of 87 judicial appointments. 

Original source can be found here