Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted to pass the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Observed on June 19, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States and commemorates the day that the news of its abolition reached slaves in Galveston, Texas in 1865. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day. The bill, which passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate yesterday, will now go to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“Juneteenth is, above all, a celebration of Black freedom. It is long past time for the federal government to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday,” said Rep. Sewell. “I was so proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation and even prouder to cast my vote for it today.”

“Black Americans have continued to face systemic racism since we were recognized as full citizens more than 100 years ago,” continued Sewell. “While this is a significant and symbolic step, we must fully grapple with the injustices of our country’s history, including the continued assault on Black Americans’ right to vote, before achieving true justice. Now is a time to recommit ourselves to that critical work and see to it that our Nation lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.”

47 states and the District of Columbia have already passed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a holiday or observance.