BOISE, Idaho — Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation this morning, declaring June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Idaho. The signing event took place with community members in front of the Idaho Black History Museum.
"Juneteenth marks the celebration of not just a moment in the past but also a renewed shared commitment to ensuring equality and opportunity are a reality for all Americans, in the present and the future," the proclamation states.
Little encourages all Idahoans to reflect on this historical day and our future as a country.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, also known as Emancipation Day. Although the Emancipation Proclamation came more than two years earlier on January 1, 1863, many slave owners continued to hold their slaves captive after the announcement, so Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African American freedom.
"All Idahoans honor the countless contributions made by African Americans to our state and our nation," Little proclaimed.
