Cousins!

Beginning 2021 the state of New York will recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday!

Juneteenth also identified as June 19th, 1865 is noted in history as the day slavery was officially abolished, roughly around two years after former President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

For years social justice advocates as well as black community members across the world have pushed for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday.

“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,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo within a forwarded statement.

“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.”

According to the New York Post , Cuomo signed an executive order this summer following the occurrences surrounding the murder of Minneapolis resident George Floyd.