Juneteenth

A proposal filed Monday by Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Ocoee, aims to make Juneteenth Day a paid holiday for all state government employees.

The U.S. House of Representatives has the chance to send President Joe Biden a bill that would recognize Saturday, June 19 or Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

June 19 could be a state-recognized holiday under a senate bill moving through the legislature. The date, also known as Juneteenth, is seen nationally as a day to celebrate the freeing of slaves. But in Florida, many people recognize May 20 instead. That's the day in 1865 when union soldiers read the Emancipation Proclamation for the first time in Tallahassee.

The Tallahassee City Commission is recognizing May 20 as Emancipation Day in Florida.

The Tallahassee City Commission is recognizing May 20 as Emancipation Day in Florida.

May 20 will now be a paid holiday for Leon County government employees. County commissioners created the new holiday in recognition of the day in 1865, when Tallahassee slaves were told they were free.

Bay County's first official Juneteenth Celebration took place in downtown Panama City over the weekend. Hundreds of protestors expressed solidarity against racism and called for justice on behalf of African Americans killed by the police.

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation observing today, June 19. It’s the date in 1865 when African Americans in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was the last Confederate state to receive the news. The date is celebrated as an official holiday or observance in most states but not all. Now, amid discussions about race in the United States, this year’s Juneteenth is taking on a higher prominence.

Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-Miami), wants to raise the profile of Juneteenth tin Florida and make it a national holiday. The date marks the day the last slaves…

Tallahassee celebrated African American leaders with soul food and music Wednesday at the Juneteenth Freedom Awards.Kim Moore was the first…