ATLANTA (June 23, 2021) | In response to Governor Brian Kemp determining whether Juneteenth will be a public and legal holiday, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) Chairwoman Senator Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia) issued the following statement:
“The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus strongly urges Governor Kemp to designate Juneteenth as a state public and legal holiday.
You are fully aware of the history and cultural importance of June 19th to African Americans and our country. Many refer to Juneteenth as the second Independence Day, a time to celebrate the ending of institutional slavery and reflect on the long journey many have taken towards freedom.
With African Americans totaling 32 percent of the state population and over 50 percent of state employees, we cannot justify excluding this important federal holiday to the list of 12 public and legal holidays.
We suggest your office consider the following recommendations:
- Remove one of the flexible holidays that honored Confederate Memorial Day and Robert E. Lee’s Birthday and replace it with Juneteenth.
- Prioritize legislation to expand the number of public and legal holidays from 12 to 13.
House Bill 444, introduced last session by members of the GLBC, calls for the establishment of Juneteenth Independence Day. It is a legislative vehicle capable of codifying either of our two recommendations.
Our Caucus looks forward to working with your office in a bipartisan manner to address this matter.”
Established in 1975, the GLBC is a 501(c)3 non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprising of 65 Georgia House and Senate members.
For more information about the GLBC, please visit www.gablackcaucus.org or write to media@gablackcaucus.org.
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For Immediate Release:
Jun. 23, 2021
Kami Briden, Sr. Communications Associate
404.656.0028