Which President Declared Juneteenth a National Holiday- A Historical Retrospective
Which president made Juneteenth a national holiday? This question is often asked by many, especially those who are not familiar with the history of this significant day. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is celebrated on June 19th each year to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The answer to this question lies in the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who played a pivotal role in making Juneteenth a national holiday.
Juneteenth has its roots in Texas, where Union soldiers arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, to announce the end of slavery. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The news of freedom came to the enslaved African Americans in Texas much later than in the rest of the United States, hence the name “Juneteenth,” which is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth.”
Despite the historical significance of Juneteenth, it was not until 1980 that it was recognized as a state holiday in Texas. The struggle to gain recognition for Juneteenth as a national holiday continued for years, with various attempts to introduce legislation in Congress. It was not until June 17, 2021, that President Joe Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of this important day.
However, the journey to making Juneteenth a national holiday began long before President Biden’s time. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who served as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969, played a crucial role in this process. In 1968, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ending discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This act was a significant step towards recognizing the rights of all Americans, including African Americans.
Additionally, President Johnson was instrumental in promoting the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday. On June 19, 1968, he issued a proclamation designating the day as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” encouraging all Americans to celebrate the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. This proclamation was a significant step towards gaining wider recognition for Juneteenth.
While President Johnson’s proclamation did not make Juneteenth a national holiday, it was a crucial step in raising awareness about the day and its significance. The efforts of President Johnson and other advocates paved the way for the eventual recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. President Joe Biden’s signing of the bill in 2021 was the culmination of years of advocacy and the result of a long-fought battle for justice and equality.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “which president made Juneteenth a national holiday” is President Lyndon B. Johnson. Although he did not achieve the ultimate goal of making Juneteenth a national holiday during his presidency, his efforts and the legacy he left behind played a significant role in the eventual recognition of this important day. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States.
