Solon Politician Wants Juneteenth To Be A Federal Holiday

SOLON, OH — State Rep. Phil Robinson is urging Congress to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

June 19 marks the day the enslaved were emancipated in Galveston, Texas, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation

“We celebrate ‘Juneteenth’ to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Given the watershed moment where our country is right now, this day of celebration takes on even more importance as we strive to build a beloved community that includes everyone, including Black Americans,” said Robinson, who calls Solon home.

Ohio, like all other states in the U.S., has seen a host of protests over racial inequality and police brutality. With increased racial awareness, officials have proposed sweeping law enforcement reforms and statues of Christopher Columbus and Confederate leaders have been removed from public venues.

“I am proud to join my fellow House Democrats as co-sponsor for the resolution urging Congress to make Juneteenth a paid federal holiday. It’s a time all Americans should be celebrating," Robinson said.