Juneteenth celebrates the end of Slavery in the United States. Many have celebrated unofficially for years on June 19th. While the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the bill making Juneteenth a national holiday, 14 House members voted against it.
14 Republicans voted against Juneteenth:
- Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona
- Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama
- Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia
- Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee
- Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona
- Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas
- Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California
- Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky
- Rep. Tom McClintock of California
- Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina
- Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama
- Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana
- Rep. Chip Roy of Texas
- Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin
President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law.
About Juneteenth
The United States abolished Slavery on June 19th, 1865. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day is a day that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Juneteenth has roots in both America and Africa. Generations pass down Juneteenth traditions such as food and music.
As time has gone on it is clear that not everyone supported slavery being abolished. The majority of the opposition came from southern states, and were proven to be racist against blacks, leading them to believe they deserved their freedom less than others.
