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Juneteenth: A Four-Day Holiday in 2024

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Juneteenth: A Four-Day Holiday in 2024

Juneteenth, a day of commemoration and celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States, has been officially recognized as a federal holiday since 2021. In 2024, Juneteenth will fall on a Wednesday, and many are advocating for it to be observed as a four-day holiday.

Historical Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier, news of its passage had not reached all parts of the country. As a result, many enslaved people continued to labor under the yoke of slavery until the arrival of Union troops.

Juneteenth Celebrations

Juneteenth has been celebrated by African American communities for over a century. Traditional celebrations include parades, picnics, barbecues, and musical performances. The day is also marked by speeches, readings, and other events that honor the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history.

Federal Recognition of Juneteenth

In 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday in the United States. The law recognizes the importance of Juneteenth as a day of remembrance and celebration of the end of slavery and the progress made toward racial equality.

Calls for a Four-Day Juneteenth Holiday

Since Juneteenth has become a federal holiday, there have been calls to extend its observance to four days. Supporters of a four-day Juneteenth holiday argue that it would allow more people to participate in the festivities and would give the holiday the same level of recognition as other major federal holidays.

In 2023, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced a bill that would make Juneteenth a four-day holiday. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), has gained bipartisan support.

Benefits of a Four-Day Juneteenth Holiday

There are several benefits to extending Juneteenth to a four-day holiday:

• Increased participation: A four-day holiday would allow more people to travel to events and participate in Juneteenth celebrations.
• Greater recognition: A four-day holiday would give Juneteenth the same level of recognition as other major federal holidays, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• Educational opportunities: A four-day holiday would provide more time for schools and community organizations to host educational events about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
• Economic benefits: A four-day holiday would boost local economies by increasing tourism and spending on food, entertainment, and other goods and services.

Challenges to a Four-Day Juneteenth Holiday

There are also some challenges to extending Juneteenth to a four-day holiday:

• Cost: The federal government would need to allocate additional funds to support a four-day Juneteenth holiday.
• Business disruption: A four-day holiday could disrupt business operations for some companies.
• School closures: A four-day holiday would require schools to close for an additional day, which could impact student learning.

Conclusion

Juneteenth is a day of great historical significance for the United States. Recognizing it as a four-day holiday would allow more people to participate in the festivities, give the holiday greater recognition, and provide more opportunities for education and reflection. While there are some challenges to implementing a four-day Juneteenth holiday, the benefits far outweigh the costs. It is time for the United States to fully embrace the spirit of Juneteenth and make it a day that is truly celebrated by all Americans.

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