Shaheen Calls for Juneteenth to be Recognized as a National Holiday

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement, calling for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday:

“The abolition of slavery is one of the most profound and consequential developments in American history,” said Shaheen. “This moment should be recognized with a national holiday that encourages every American to celebrate freedom, honor the heroes who fought for abolition, reflect on slavery’s legacy, and recommit to confronting the systemic racism that still exists in our society. As a nation, we must recognize a hard truth: African-American experiences, achievements and struggles have consistently been omitted from the American story. Together, we must demand a more honest conversation on racism in this country and fight for a more just future.”

To mark the 20th anniversary of New Hampshire’s first Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, in January, Senator Shaheen honored the occasion and celebrated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Congressional Record statement.  As Governor of New Hampshire, Shaheen fought for passage of, and signed, a resolution to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day in New Hampshire – the last state in the nation to do so. In the statement, Shaheen paid tribute to the late Reverend Dr. Arthur Hilson, whose powerful advocacy helped progress the resolution through the New Hampshire legislature.