Governor Kelly Celebrates Juneteenth at the Statehouse

~~2024 Marks First Yr as a State Vacation~~

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas African American Affairs Fee immediately to rejoice Juneteenth on the Statehouse. This marks the primary 12 months Juneteenth is noticed as a state vacation. 

“Juneteenth is a time to rejoice the progress now we have made and acknowledge the continued struggles for racial equality,” Governor Laura Kelly mentioned. “Kansans have lengthy noticed this vital turning level in our nation’s historical past, and celebrating Juneteenth as a state vacation supplies time for reflection.” 

Governor Kelly designated Juneteenth a state vacation in October 2023 and has issued proclamations recognizing Juneteenth yearly since 2020. In observance of the vacation, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Govt Department state places of work beneath Governor Kelly’s authority shall be closed.  

“The trail to having Juneteenth turn out to be a state vacation was paved lengthy earlier than me,” mentioned Stacey Knoell, Govt Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Fee. “I do know many advocates, legislators, and Kansans have been striving for this recognition. I’m glad it has turn out to be a actuality.” 

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the final enslaved Individuals obtained phrase that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery greater than two years earlier. In 2021, Juneteenth grew to become the primary federal vacation created in additional than 40 years.  

Pictures from immediately’s occasion can be found for media use under. 

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