Gov. Cuomo to make Juneteenth a holiday in New York state

Juneteenth — the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States — will now be recognized as a holiday in New York state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.

Cuomo, speaking during his daily press briefing in Albany, said he will sign an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday for state employees.

The governor will advance legislation to make Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, an official state holiday next year.

“It is a day that we should all reflect upon,” Cuomo said.

The move comes after massive global protests against the May 25 Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd as well as police brutality and systemic racism.