Jun 16, 2021 - Politics & Policy
By the numbers: Federal holiday adoption dates
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
In the 244-year history of the United States, the government has created 10 federal holidays. Juneteenth — to be marked on June 19 — will become No. 11.
Why it matters: It's not clear how all Americans will come to commemorate a day celebrating the formal end of slavery in the U.S., but it will come with all the trappings of the others: a day off for federal employees, and a potential close of businesses.
- Juneteenth, already celebrated within the African American community, will be the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983.
What they're saying: There are some Black men and women who do not feel mollified by the move.
- "Stop prioritizing symbolism; make systemic change!" said one tweet.
