SC Senator Hopes to Declare Juneteenth a Statewide Holiday

A South Carolina senator announced his plans to try to declare today, Juneteenth, a statewide holiday. Juneteenth marks the official end to slavery in 1865 when the final slaves in Texas were told they were free. Back in 2008, June 19th was declared a “Special Day” in South Carolina, however State Senator Darrell Jackson now wants to make it an official holiday observed by state offices, schools and universities. He said, “I think, in this moment in time particularly, it’s important to acknowledge African American history in our state”. All but four states in the U.S. recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.