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With President Joe Biden signing legislation to make Juneteenth
a federal holiday in 2021, Governor JB Pritzker announced that
state government offices will be closed Friday, June 18 in
accordance with the new federal law recognizing the importance
of emancipating enslaved Americans.
On Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker signed Illinois’ law to make
Juneteenth a state holiday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Library and Museum, in the shadow of the Emancipation
Proclamation.
“I’m pleased to see the federal government join Illinois in
recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday, offering all
Americans a day to reflect on the national shame of slavery and
the work we must do to dismantle systemic racism,” said Governor
JB Pritzker. “Most importantly, let us stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with Black Americans who will celebrate
Juneteenth as a milestone in their fight for every ounce of the
freedom that is their God-given right – and continue with them
in that fight.”
When Gov. Pritzker signed Illinois’ Juneteenth legislation
earlier this week with the bill sponsors, he reiterated his
commitment to leading the nation in dismantling structural
racism.
In addition to closing state offices on Friday, June 18,
Illinois will continue the recognition of Juneteenth throughout
the state, lowering all flags covered by the Illinois Flag
Display Act to half-staff on Saturday. In addition, a Juneteenth
flag will fly proudly over the Illinois state Capitol in
Springfield on every Juneteenth, starting this year.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker]
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