HOUSE SUPPORTS ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH
CONCORD – The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to pass SB 174, calling for the annual observance of Juneteenth as a day to reflect upon slavery’s relation to the State of New Hampshire. Rep. Jean Jeudy, D-Manchester, released the following statement:
“Observance of Juneteenth recognizes that the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately bring freedom to people enslaved throughout America. Notice of the Proclamation did not reach the state of Texas for over two years after it was issued, with those enslaved in Galveston, Texas, finally receiving word of the Proclamation from Union soldiers on June 19, 1865.”
“Juneteenth recognizes June 19 as the day that people enslaved were finally no longer held in bondage and all Americans were considered free. Annually observing Juneteenth in New Hampshire allows for the opportunity to explore and share the impact that African American culture has had in this country.”