Massachusetts is going to celebrate Juneteenth, once a forgotten celebration, as a federally recognized state holiday.
Juneteenth, which occurs every June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Galveston, Texas, slaves were the last ones told they were free two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It was also two months after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered. The state has signed legislation authorizing it as a state holiday, WBTS-CD reported.
The legislation authorizing Juneteenth as a holiday happened last July under Gov. Charlie Baker Jr. in the wake of the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd.
While Juneteenth lands on a Saturday, a day most people would not be working, the closure of businesses and government offices will take place on June 18.
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