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Illinois close to making Juneteenth a paid holiday off for state employees and a school holiday

By AP Reporter
Published  May 30, 2021 3:59pm CDT
Illinois
Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois is closer to making Juneteenth a state holiday. 

Legislation making June 19 a paid day off for all state employees and a school holiday was unanimously approved by the Illinois House last week and by the state Senate last month. 

It states that if June 19 falls on a Saturday or Sunday the holiday will be observed the following Monday. 

The measure would take effect immediately if Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs it. 

Juneteenth commemorates the date in 1865 when the last enslaved Black people in the U.S. learned from Union soldiers in Texas that they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. 

The day is also known as Emancipation Day and Freedom Day. 

Cook County already recognizes Juneteenth as a paid holiday for county workers.

Celebrating Juneteenth: The meaning behind the holiday

Attorney Ernest B. Fenton hosted a Juneteenth special on WVON Radio the last four years, with his final special last year running a full 24 hours. He joined Good Day with more on the meaning behind this important holiday.