[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today proclaimed June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in the State of Minnesota. This comes a day after President Joe Biden signed a law recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, creating a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

“Juneteenth is an important opportunity for all communities across our state and Nation to celebrate freedom, honor African Americans and their history, and commit to growing from the tragedies of the past,” said Governor Walz . “It is important that as we celebrate this year’s Juneteenth, we recognize that there is still work to be done, here in Minnesota, nation-wide, and globally. ”

“Juneteenth is a powerful celebration of independence for the African American community and a reminder that the deep roots of slavery in this country are still evident today in the systemic racism that persists in the United States and Minnesota,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “As we unite in community this Juneteenth, we acknowledge that it is only the beginning of the deep policy work needed dismantle unjust systems of oppression and racism in our state. We must never stop working until Black Minnesotans and Minnesotans of all races are seen, heard, protected, and valued – we have much work before us.”

Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which gave freedom to all enslaved people in the rebelling states during the Civil War. However, this freedom did not reach enslaved Black people in Texas until two years later, on June 19, 1865. They were the last group of enslaved Black Americans to be informed of their freedom.