UB Professor Suggests That Juneteenth Become a National Holiday

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that 'Juneteenth' is now a Holiday in New York State (read the story HERE).  New Yorkers seem to be overjoyed by the announcement, however, a local University at Buffalo Professor his suggested that Juneteenth should be recognized Nationally in the form of a National Holiday...not simply per State.

Canadian Studies Professor Cecil Foster is suggesting that Juneteenth is historically important enough such that it be recognized across the United States as National Holiday.  This is what Professor Foster said, per WGRZ News, 

“Juneteenth should be our national moment of pause, a day that inspires everyone to reflect on what has been achieved as it also reminds us of how much is left to be accomplished before every American is allowed to live in dignity and realize the rights of full citizenship."

 

“We are experiencing what could be a new abolitionist moment on multiple levels in this country.  People all over the world are once again looking to the United States, as they did at the end of the Civil War, to form a new social order where freedom for all humanity is on display"

 

“During reconstruction the country entered a brief moment when it appeared social justice issues would be at the forefront of the effort, where the full humanity of former slaves and the people who fought for their freedom would be met through equality, appreciation, citizenship and a sense of belonging.”

 

“We cannot ignore this, and establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday will always remind us that freedom, citizenship, and social justice should be this country’s promise to all Americans.”

According to Cornell Law School, there are currently 10 Public Holidays in the United States:

• New Year’s Day, January 1.
• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the third Monday in January.
• Washington’s Birthday, the third Monday in February.
• Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.
• Independence Day, July 4.
• Labor Day, the first Monday in September.
• Columbus Day, the second Monday in October.
• Veterans Day, November 11.
• Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November.
• Christmas Day, December 25.

It's interesting that Professor Foster's suggestion is not far from becoming a reality seeing as the proposal to make Juneteenth a National Holiday is nothing new.  There were only four States (3 now) where Juneteenth is NOT a State Holiday, according to a CNN article.

• Hawaii,
• North Dakota,
• South Dakota 
• Montana.

(The article was written in 2019 and New York has just announced Juneteenth as a State Holiday...so why New York was not included in the list of States who do not recognize

If Columbus Day can make the list, based on fabrication, the TRUTH regarding Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of Slavery in America (for the most part).  Let's hope Professor Cecil Foster's thoughts and words reach the right person or people who can declare Juneteenth a National Holiday in America.  I googled, "who is responsible for declaring National Holidays" and the answer came back ... IT'S CONFUSING.  One source says it's up to Congress while another source is saying it's up to each State individually.