Juneteenth now a state holiday

The newest state holiday is June 19 — Juneteenth.

It marks the date in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure the last enslaved people in the United States be set free, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

The law also ensures the holiday is observed June 19, no matter the day of the week. Prior law designated the third Saturday in June as an official state observance.

Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL-Mendota Heights) and Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Mpls) sponsor the law that takes effect Aug. 1, 2023.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

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