ILLINOIS MAY SOON HAVE A NEW STATE HOLIDAY.

SENATE LAWMAKERS VOTED THURSDAY TO OFFICIALLY CELEBRATE THE END OF SLAVERY ON JUNE 19TH EACH YEAR. THE BILL IS SPONSORED BY SENATOR KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD OF MAYWOOD.

JUNETEENTH MARKS THE DAY IN 1865 WHEN THE LAST SLAVES WERE FREED IN TEXAS. IF APPROVED BY THE HOUSE AND THE GOVERNOR, JUNETEENTH WOULD BECOME A STATE HOLIDAY ON PAR WITH THE FOURTH OF JULY, NEW YEAR'S DAY AND CHRISTMAS.