Maryland government agencies and offices will be closed on Friday in observance of Juneteenth, Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Thursday.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when a Union general told enslaved people in Texas that the Civil War had ended and that they were free.
Legislation to federally recognized June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day was approved by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday and by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday. President Joe Biden will sign the bill into law Thursday.
The legislation requires that when the national holiday falls on a Saturday, as is the case this year, state employees will observe the holiday on the preceding Friday.
“This is an important step forward for our country,” Hogan said in a statement. “Maryland is proud to support this legislation, and observe this new national holiday.”
The governor’s announcement drew mixed reactions on social media.
Some individuals applauded the holiday being officially recognized in Maryland and nationwide.
This is so fantastic to hear in my lifetime ??? https://t.co/wEEqobAlpI
— I’m not that guy pal (@soulslayerz1092) June 17, 2021
Step in the right direction https://t.co/bVpPZDlI2u
— Tahtiana chin (@Chinfullthought) June 17, 2021
But others said the holiday had been “hijacked” and that Juneteenth is for Black people to celebrate.
Juneteenth officially hijacked. https://t.co/QH41Qw0O9I
— Kwame Rose (@kwamerose) June 17, 2021
We cant have nothing smfh jus let this b our day damn ?? https://t.co/E7NubBat1f
— Sarai Ni and Dill’s Mom✊? (@NiNDillsMom) June 17, 2021
Some pointed to Hogan’s vetoes of several police reform bills that the General Assembly passed this legislative session. State lawmakers ultimately overrode those vetoes, including legislation to implement a statewide use of force policy; require the provision of body-worn cameras; provide mental health assistance; increase transparency and access to officer misconduct records under the Maryland Public Information Act; and replace the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of rights with a new process for disciplining officers.
But veto all police reform bills? https://t.co/7RryBXNqrz
— Jonathan Mancuso (@contact__high) June 17, 2021
Others highlighted recent incidents in Ocean City where police officers arrested Black people for vaping outside of designated areas.
In a June 6 video, police tased an 18-year-old while he held his hands in the air.
In a June 13 video, a group of officers held a 19-year-old on the ground while one of the officers repeatedly kneed him. An officer also tased another 19-year-old.
So let me get this straight. You are happy to make a holiday to respect black people, yet you are doing nothing about those same people getting beaten and tased by YOUR cops. Fucking priorities, dude. https://t.co/J4ULsUg5LI
— Sydney Magar (@MagarSydney) June 17, 2021
