Today Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation declaring June 19, also known as Juneteenth, a state holiday marking the abolition of slavery in the United States.
HB3922 (Ford) states that Juneteenth will be recognized as National Freedom Day in the state. All flags will be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, June 19, and a Juneteenth flag will be flown over the Capitol in Springfield.
“Just as Illinois led the nation as the first state to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment, in 2021, we are leading the nation in tackling structural racism head on thanks to the guiding vision of Leader Lightford, Representative Ford, Speaker Welch and the entire Illinois Legislative Black Caucus,” Pritzker said in a statement. “It brings me exceptional pride to sign into law the declaration of Juneteenth as a formal state holiday in Illinois, making us one of the few states in the nation to give it the full status it deserves.”
“Making Juneteenth a state holiday is a breakthrough in Illinois history,” Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Hillside) said in a statement. “It reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans and gives us an opportunity to celebrate our culture and achievements.”
The bill becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022, but the first paid state holiday celebrating Juneteenth will not come until Monday, June 19, 2023. The U.S. Senate Tuesday unanimously also passed a resolution marking the day as a federal holiday. If approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and President Joe Biden, the resolution will become law.
“Today, we can all stand proud that Illinois will officially recognize America’s second independence day,” House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) said in a statement. “As the first African-American Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, this moment will forever be a treasure in my heart, and I hope it will become a treasure for all Illinoisans. It’s a day of remembrance, but also a day of joy and perseverance.”
Allison F. Richard
Legislative Consultant
