Juneteenth, Slavery Abolition Day, becomes US national holiday

The US is going to celebrate the abolition of slavery in 1865 in the future on June 19 with an official holiday. The Senate unanimously approved the bill last night. It has yet to go to the House of Representatives. That will almost certainly agree, but it’s unclear when.

In 1865 the American Civil War ended with a victory of the Union over the Confederate states. The last battle took place in the state of Texas. On June 19 of that year, a Northern general announced that the enslaved in this state were also free. That day is celebrated every year mainly by the black population, including as Juneteenth, a contraction of June on nineteenth.

“From Juneteenth making a national day off is an important step in recognizing past mistakes,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. “But we must continue to achieve equal rights for all.”

In most states, June 19 is already a public holiday and public holiday.

–