SPLC Action Fund Applauds Passage of Bill Establishing Juneteenth as National Holiday

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House passed a bill, 415-14, establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday, which President Biden signed into law.

SPLC Action Fund CEO Margaret Huang issued the following statement in response:

“The SPLC applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for wasting no time in passing the bill recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday, and we also applaud President Biden for promptly signing it into law.

“Federal holidays are meant to celebrate and memorialize the struggles that made America what it is and to unify us as a nation. June 19 will now forever commemorate the story of emancipation of Blacks from enslavement. This day deserves as much recognition as any other holiday, including in our schools.

“By establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, schools have an opportunity to teach about this important part of our shared American story.”