The time has come! Celebrities are demanding that Juneteenth be declared a National Holiday. The holiday, marking June 19, 1865, as many know, is an annual day celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S.
Amid Black Lives Matter, many in Hollywood and beyond are demanding that Juneteenth be declared a federal holiday. There is a movement afoot in D.C. to make it so. On Thursday, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced that they are introducing legislation to make Juneteenth on official holiday.
Chris Evans retweeted the news, writing, “As it should be.”
George Clooney issued a statement: “Thank you President Trump for ‘making Juneteenth famous.’ Much like when Bull Connor made ‘Civil Rights’ famous. My family will be donating $500,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative in honor of your heroic efforts.”
Lupita Nyong’o wrote: “Public holidays indicate the moments in history that are important to a nation and the values they hold dear. Recognizing #Juneteenth nationally would be one more way to acknowledge the intrinsic value of Black people and their history to the wealth and prosperity of the USA.”
Jason Alexander tweeted: “A black man inspired me to be an actor. Another black man changed the course of my career. A black woman raised me when my mother was too ill. Another black woman cared for my mother 17 years, holding her hand at her death. There is no me without them.”
Superstar singers like Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Usher and Ludacris were among those also among those championing the caue. Usher wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post Friday. He wrote: “Recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday would be a small gesture compared with the greater social needs of black people in America. But it can remind us of our journey toward freedom, and the work America still has to do.”
Viola Davis spoke out: “#HappyJuneteenth I'll tell you what this ‘Juneteenth’, ‘Liberation’, ‘Freedom’ Day means to me. It means to truly and actually be set free from imprisonment and oppression in ALL aspects of this country. To break the micro and macroagressions of mindsets, ignorance, apathy, policies, and political ideologies steeped in systemic racism. So….this day is a ‘Woke’ marker…But…if there is anything to celebrate it's my ancestors, African Americans who survived the atrocity and stain of slavery. They survived with grace, love and strength. I honor them today with a promise that I will continue to fight for your unexplored dreams and hopes…I will fight for your God given right to live as a human being. In the name of #BreonnaTaylor, #SandraBland, #GeorgeFloyd, #RayshardBrooks, #EmmettTill, #MedgerEvers…and MILLIONS MORE…..AMEN!!!!!”
Kim Kardashian wrote: “Today on #JuneTeenth we reflect, educate and commemorate the end of slavery in the US. We celebrate our black family members, friends and colleagues and the members of our community. We recommit ourselves to fight alongside then for their equal rights and equal justice.”
Sarah Hyland opined: “If you don't know what #juneteenth is, google it. #makejuneteenthanationalholiday.”
Tom Hanks tweeted: “A Day to celebrate. Nationally. Working towards Liberty and Justice. For All. Hanx.”
