Colorado Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Juneteenth Legal State Holiday

Last week, Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Black Democratic Legislative Caucus, bill sponsors, and advocates held a press conference highlighting and celebrating the introduction of SB22-139, which would recognize Juneteenth as the 11th state holiday in Colorado. Senators James Coleman and Janet Buckner, and Representative Leslie Herod, sponsor the bill, which was introduced in the Senate on February 24.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War, declaring more than 250,000 enslaved Black people as freed.

Polis says that adopting Juneteenth as a state holiday would pay tribute to the millions of Black Americans who endured incredible suffering under slavery and, “just as important,” elevate the celebration and joy this holiday embodies in the Black community for more than 150 years.

“We’re grateful to our state employees and Colorado WINS, to the legislators, and everyone who has contributed to bringing this bill forward. I’m proud to stand today among champions for progress that’s long overdue to move our state forward together,” Polis says.

Herod adds that Black communities have long celebrated Juneteenth as America’s second independence day, even though it’s something many Americans know little or nothing about.

“By making Juneteenth a legal holiday across the state of Colorado, we hope to rectify that,” Herod says. “June 19th should be celebrated and hailed as a monumental and historic day by Coloradans, and that’s exactly what this bill aims to do.” Herod also shouted out to the advocacy of Colorado WINS, who negotiated their first contract with the state last year and pushed hard to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.

Senator Coleman adds that Juneteenth is more than just a federal holiday, especially looking toward historical Black communities where Coloradans march, eat great food, gather together, listen to music, and more. Coleman says that making Juneteenth a state holiday means that Colorado recognizes that Black people, and all people, are free.

“It is a recognition that we not only desire for some Coloradans to prosper, but for all to prosper, and for all Coloradans, regardless of race or background, to earn a living wage, have an affordable place to call home, and get the equitable access to healthcare and education people need to move forward and thrive,” Coleman says.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Herod