FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Contact: David Snyder, Executive Assistant to Mayor Meg Kelly
518.587.3550 X2520
On June 19, 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans across the state of Texas became aware of their emancipation and their fundamental rights as free men. This day has become known as “Juneteenth,” a day that celebrates and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and the beginning of a new era of brotherhood, acceptance, and the recognition of shared human rights no matter one’s race or heritage.
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he is advancing legislation to make Juneteenth an official state holiday next year. In recognition of the official emancipation of African Americans throughout the United States, Mayor Meg Kelly of Saratoga Springs would like to propose making Juneteenth a holiday for city employees beginning in 2021.
“I fully support Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order,” Mayor Meg Kelly added. “As of this year, Juneteenth is not officially a state holiday. But we are going to work with our unions to make Juneteenth a holiday for our employees for 2021. I am thrilled that this historically significant day is becoming more recognized across the state, country, and right here in Saratoga Springs.”