LANSING — Today, Governor Whitmer signed legislation to establish Juneteenth as a statewide holiday, taking an important step to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This bill expands the already existing holiday from affecting only state employees to every Michigander.
In response to the signing, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes released the following statement:
“It took too long to get us to this day, but now, with Governor Whitmer’s signature and thanks to Democrats in the state legislature, we now have a day where every Michigander can honor the freedom, culture, and empowerment of Black people. While places across our nation are choosing to ignore our history, we in Michigan are taking the time to acknowledge and learn from our past.”
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