Legal and Legislation Updates
New State Holiday: Juneteenth
Earlier this year, Juneteenth (June 19 of each year) was designated a state holiday in Minnesota effective Aug. 1, 2023; however, the effective date was recently amended to require that the holiday be observed this year.1 Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday in 2021.
As with other state holidays, no public business can be transacted on the Juneteenth holiday, except in cases of necessity.2 Members are encouraged to review their policies and collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance.
Holiday Recognizes Emancipation
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation Jan. 1, 1863. It declared “that all persons held as slaves” within states engaged in rebellion against the Union “are, and henceforward shall be free.”
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln declared the enslaved persons free and more than two months after the end of the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation was said to have been first publicly read in Texas by Union soldiers led by General Gordon Granger.
The Juneteenth holiday recognizes this historical pronouncement of the abolition of slavery.
Juneteenth and emancipation celebrations have been commonplace in Minnesota since 1889 as a result of community-based grassroots efforts.
This article has been updated since its original publication. Changes address the passage and signing of an amendment to modify the law’s effective date.