Juneteenth Proclaimed in New York State

Governor Hochul Releases Proclamation, Announces Display of Juneteenth Flag

State Celebrates 156th Anniversary of Emancipation Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation in observance of Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The Governor also announced that the red, black, and green Juneteenth flag will be displayed at the World Trade Center and the Empire State Building in recognition of the occasion.

“Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the progress we have made as a nation and to recommit ourselves to the fight for equality and justice for all,” Governor Hochul said. “The Empire State has a tradition of acknowledging significant milestones in advancing the cause of freedom, and New Yorkers join in celebrating the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth as a reminder that we must always strive for a better future for all.”

Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Emancipation Day, was first celebrated by African Americans in Texas in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

In 2021, President Biden signed legislation into law establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The holiday is observed on June 19th, the date in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the remaining enslaved African Americans in the state.

Governor Hochul’s proclamation recognizes the important contributions that African Americans have made to the state and nation, and calls on all New Yorkers to recommit themselves to the fight for equality and justice.

In addition to the display of the Juneteenth flag, the state is also hosting a series of events to celebrate the holiday, including a virtual Juneteenth celebration on June 19th. For more information on these events, please visit the website of the New York State Department of State.