- Richard Garcia
- 916-319-2057
- Richard.garcia@asm.ca.gov
(Sacramento – January 14, 2022) – Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1655 to establish June 19, also known as Juneteenth, as a paid state holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. This occurs on the same day that the California State Assembly honors the late civil rights pioneer and icon Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“This is a significant milestone for African Americans, to have a date recognized by our state that is celebrated by all Californians,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “AB 1655 is an inclusive act marking a key point in our nation’s history – one we should never forget or ignore, and one that correctly balances the American scale of freedom from 3/5ths to a whole.”
While there has been significant effort on the federal and state levels to acknowledge the history and address the plight of the black community, much work remains. Under AB 1655, California joins states like Texas, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Illinois in celebrating Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees.
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, establishing June 19 as a federal holiday and making it the first federal holiday since the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Joining this effort, the California State Assembly and Senate passed their respective resolutions (ACR 82, SCR 41) recognizing the importance of Juneteenth, as well as urging fellow Californians to reflect and celebrate the history and culture of Black Americans.
This important measure is joint-authored by Assemblymember Weber (D- San Diego). “Juneteenth is an important and special annual celebration for Black culture, resilience, and achievement,” said Assemblymember Weber. “Designating this date as a paid state holiday mirrors the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. I am pleased to join Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer on this legislation that honors the lives, history, and sacrifices to achieve freedom in America.”
Joining Assemblymembers Jones-Sawyer and Weber is the entirety of the California Legislative Black Caucus as co-authors.
President Rick L. Callender of the California/Hawaii NAACP State Conference states, “I commend Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, Assemblymember Weber and others for their work to establish Juneteenth as a paid statewide holiday in California. It's critical to couple legislation with public action and cementing Juneteenth as a (paid) holiday further emphasizes the importance of the contributions of Black Americans to this country and the significance of the fight for freedom.”
AB 1655 is supported and co-sponsored by the California School Employees Association (CSEA). “Juneteenth is a day to not only commemorate the end of Black slavery in America, but to reflect on both the toll it took on Black Americans and the many ways our nation still must heal from this painful chapter of our history,” shares CSEA President Matthew “Shane” Dishman. “By officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday, California will demonstrate its commitment to Black freedom and the ongoing effort to achieve justice and equality for all.”
AB 1655 has been introduced and is pending referral in the Assembly.
About Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer
Reggie Jones-Sawyer represents the communities of South Los Angeles, Walnut Park, Florence-Firestone, Exposition Park, and portions of Huntington Park in the 59th Assembly District. Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer also serves as the Chair of the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee and has a family legacy of involvement in the Civil Rights Movement starting with his uncle, a member of the Little Rock Nine.