Juneteenth Gets Official in Alabama—With GOP Lawmakers Backing It

This year marks a significant milestone for Alabama, the Heart of Dixie. For the first time, the state will officially commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history that signifies the unofficial conclusion of slavery following the Civil War. The state legislature approved a bill last month recognizing this important holiday, coinciding with community initiatives and offering free entry to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, often referred to as the Lynching Museum.Since 2021, Juneteenth has been a federal holiday, and Alabama's governor, Kay Ivey, had exercised executive power to celebrate it for the past four years. The recent legislation solidifies this designation. Brenda Ward, chair of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation of Alabama, views this celebration as merely the beginning, emphasizing the need for further education about Juneteenth in schools and community spaces. Notably, this bill mirrors efforts made by Alabama’s Black Democratic lawmakers, who previously faced challenges in advancing similar proposals.