New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially declared Juneteenth a paid holiday within the city in a statement that acknowledges the acts of “heroes and sheroes” who came before him.
Some residents of New York will now receive a new paid holiday on June 19, also known as Juneteenth, when commemorates the day the Emancipation Proclamation became enforced in the state of Texas.
“This decision is long overdue,” wrote Adams on Twitter, “which is why it will immediately take effect this year.” Adams added a statement that contained binary gender versions of the word “hero” to include women.
“I know that I stand on the shoulders of countless heroes and sheroes,” wrote Adams, “who put their lives on the line to secure a more perfect union.”
Adams said he considers the paid holiday status of June 19 “a small part to recognize one of our nation’s greatest wrongs.”
It’s time for our city to finally do what’s right and officially designate Juneteenth as a city holiday. This decision is long overdue, which is why it will immediately take effect this year.
Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/W0yPmKTl5q
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 11, 2022
Adams suggested the day is an opportunity for Americans to hold “a mirror to our nation’s past atrocities,” referencing slavery.
Historians estimate that around 600,000 people were killed during the American Civil War, which resulted in slaves being freed in southern states. Of those who died, 360,000 were from northern states.
45th President Donald Trump made Juneteenth a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. He was previously lambasted for scheduling a rally for that date, and reportedly was reprimanded by a black Secret Service agent as a result. He later changed the date of his rally, announcing the decision on Twitter.
New York is not the first city to honor Juneteenth with paid leave, notes The Gateway Pundit. The day is also a paid holiday in Chicago, Illinois, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Adams was elected last year in a landslide victory despite strong Republican opponent Curtis Sliwa. Republicans, however, made historic gains on Long Island.
