NAAAP’S STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF JUNETEENTH AS A FEDERAL HOLIDAY
Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives passed and President Joe Biden signed into law Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday was the last Federal holiday added in 1983. Federal recognition of Juneteenth follows 47 states’ and the District of Columbia’s recognition of June 19, 1865, as our nation’s second Independence Day, the day that slaves in Galveston, Texas were freed, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Declaration of Independence.
“Juneteenth is not only Black history, it’s American history,” said Ron Chang, Chair of NAAAP’s National Board of Directors. “Time off should be dedicated to education about systemic and institutional racism, and reflection on actions that build a more equitable and inclusive society.”
As people of color, as allies, and as inclusive leaders, NAAAP members must be knowledgeable about the different experiences of our members, colleagues, and neighbors, and to be compassionate of the history that impacts us all. To learn more about Juneteenth, click here.
About NAAAP: About NAAAP: The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) is the premier leadership organization for Asian professionals in North America, with 28 active chapters, several thousand active members, and a reach of more than 20,000 professionals. Since 1982, NAAAP has operated as a nonprofit to inspire, cultivate, empower and connect leaders in all major industries and many communities through professional development and community service. For more information, please visit www.naaap.org.
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