JUNETEENTH IS NOW AN OFFICIAL STATE HOLIDAY IN ILLINOIS. 

UNDER A NEW STATE LAW, THE HOLIDAY WILL BE CELEBRATED ON JUNE 19TH EVERY YEAR, MARKING THE DAY IN 1865 WHEN THE LAST SLAVES WERE FINALLY FREED IN GALVESTON, TEXAS. “FREEDOM DAY” IS A VITAL PART OF HISTORY THAT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED EACH YEAR SAYS SENATOR KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD OF MAYWOOD.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SIGNED THE NEW STATE LAW NEXT TO A RARE SIGNED COPY OF THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION IN SPRINGFIELD. IT MARKS JUNE 19TH AS A NEW HOLIDAY. REPRESENTATIVE LA SHAWN FORD OF CHICAGO EXPLAINS THE SIGNIFICANCE.

THE LAW TAKES EFFECT NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE A PUBLIC SCHOOL HOLIDAY AND A PAID HOLIDAY FOR STATE EMPLOYEES WHEN JUNE 19TH FALLS ON A WEEKDAY.