Feelings are running high in the United States as President Joe Biden officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday. But while many rejoiced, some said the Biden administration needs to hit the ground running to change policies that have put Black ethnic and racial minorities in America in a disadvantageous position.
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A round of applause at a jubilant White House bill-signing ceremony, just one day after Biden returned to the White House from the eight-day foreign trip, Biden officially made June 19th, better known as Juneteenth, a federal holiday.
The U.S. President completely agreed that more than a commemoration of the events of June 19, 1865, is needed. That’s when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, some 2 and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had freed slaves in Southern states.
U.S. President Joe Biden:
This is a really, really, really important moment in our history. By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day, and learn from our history. Great nations don’t ignore their most painful moments. They embrace them. Great nations don’t walk away.
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And the Vice President got a round of applause too when she celebrated the signing of Juneteenth day.
U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris:
So, throughout history, Juneteenth has been known by many names: Jubilee day, Freedom day, Liberation day, Emancipation day. And today, a National holiday. (Applause)
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But while many American appreciated the recognition at a time of racial reckoning in America, they believe more is needed to change policies that disadvantage too many of their fellow Americans. There is word the Biden administration should enact laws that pertain to issues related to racism and xenophobia in the country during a racial reckoning period.
The signing ceremony came at a time when the United States has seen an increase in cases of xenophobia and racism.
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