Alabama Committee Approves Juneteenth State Holiday Bill
In a significant move, the Alabama Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government unanimously approved a bill on Tuesday that would designate Juneteenth as a state holiday. This legislation, known as HB165, will now advance to the full Senate for a vote.
Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Montgomery, expressed her gratitude to Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, for sponsoring the bill and for engaging with her about its significance. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black individuals in the U.S. learned of their emancipation, symbolizing a crucial milestone in American civil rights. In 2021, former President Joe Biden recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has declared it a state holiday annually.
Previous attempts by Democratic lawmakers to pass similar legislation in Alabama have been met with challenges. Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, commended Rehm for his efforts, noting the bill’s importance in preserving history. "Many of us do not celebrate the Fourth of July because we were not free on that day," she remarked, highlighting the significance of Juneteenth for the Black community.
Rehm acknowledged the frustrations of some lawmakers but emphasized that his decision to propose this legislation was influenced by his constituents. Although the original bill included a provision allowing state employees to choose between observing Jefferson Davis’s birthday and Juneteenth, this amendment was removed early in the process. Davis was the president of the Confederate States, which fought to maintain slavery during the Civil War.
This bill represents a historic step for Alabama and reflects a growing recognition of the importance of Juneteenth in American history.
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