On June 19, the US commemorates the end of slavery.
And now, thanks to the signature of US President Joe Biden, this day is also a national holiday in the country.
Washington (AP) - In the USA, the “Juneteenth” day of remembrance, which marks the end of slavery, will be celebrated as a national holiday in the future.
US President Joe Biden signed a bill to that effect after it was passed by both Houses of Congress in the White House.
On June 19, the US commemorates the end of slavery.
On that day in 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation for the Liberation of Slaves in Texas had been made known.
Juneteenth has long been a public holiday in the southern state and a few others.
“National holidays are important.
There are days when we as a nation have decided to pause and take stock, "said US Vice President Kamala Harris at the ceremony in the White House.
“We have to learn from our history.
And we have to teach our children our story. ”Biden explained that this day is about remembering the“ moral stain ”of“ America's original sin ”.
"When we remember these moments, we begin to heal and become stronger."
"This day reminds us of a history severely tainted by brutality and injustice, and reminds us of our responsibility to build a future of progress for all," said House Chairwoman Nancy Pelosi.
A Republican senator initially failed to pass the bill last year.
Ron Johnson from the state of Wisconsin had given concerns about the follow-up costs as the reason.
However, he gave up his resistance this week.
Since the Democrats were able to secure the presidency and a slim majority in the Senate through the 2020 elections, the balance of power has shifted since then.
The nationwide protests and the debate about racism, which were sparked by the violent death of several black people in police operations, gave the project further impetus.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210618-99-40879 / 2
