The Alabama House of Representatives has approved a bill to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday, which marks the emancipation of slaves. Although state offices would not be required to close on this day, employees would have the option to take either Juneteenth or Jefferson Davis’ Birthday off.
House Bill 4 initially proposed the inclusion of Juneteenth as a state holiday, with the provision that all state offices would be closed on such occasions, unless stated otherwise.
The committee made changes to the bill.
Representative Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, explained that Governor Ivey has been signing a proclamation for the past two years to recognize Juneteenth and allow individuals, state employees, and state offices to close. However, there have been concerns raised by individuals in some districts about having too many state holidays, based on conversations with the chair.
State Representative Givan is the sponsor of this legislation. According to her, state offices will be open on both Juneteenth and Jefferson Davis’ Birthday. In addition, state employees will be granted a personal day that they can use on either of these holidays.
Representative Givan acknowledged that while the bill may not be flawless, it is a crucial step towards officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday.
Representative Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa, expressed his conflicted feelings towards the legislation. He firmly believed that Jefferson Davis’ Birthday should no longer be recognized as a state holiday.
England expressed their perspective on Juneteenth, acknowledging its significance while grappling with the compromises it requires. They highlighted the unequal burden that Black Americans often bear, having to accept significant compromises for minimal progress. For England personally, Jefferson Davis, a historical figure, does not hold the same heroic status as he does for others. England views Davis as reprehensible due to his comments and beliefs about Black people, making him undeserving of praise.
According to England, removing him and no longer celebrating him would be the best way to show the rest of the country that we are moving on.
The bill was passed by the House, which included the following:
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- 83 for
- 0 against
- 10 abstentions
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