Bill to Make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday Wins Senate Committee Approval

New state holiday would commemorate the day Union soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today cleared landmark legislation championed by members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado to make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday.

The bill – SB22-139 – is sponsored by Senators James Coleman (D-Denver) and Janet Buckner (D-Aurora).

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Soldiers, led by Major General Gordan Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and declared that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free.

“Juneteenth is more than just a federal holiday we recognize in historical Black communities like Five Points where we march, eat good food and listen to good music,” said Sen. Coleman. “We heard loudly today that making Juneteenth a state holiday means Colorado would not only recognize that Black people are free, but that all people are free. It is a recognition that we not only desire for some Coloradans to prosper, but for all to prosper, and for all Coloradans, regardless of race or background, to earn a living wage, have an affordable place to call home, and get the equitable access to health care and education people need to move forward and thrive.”

“It’s long past time to make Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery and honors freedom for all of us, a Colorado state holiday,” said Sen. Buckner. “I am proud to champion this important legislation which will help educate all Coloradans about the horrors of slavery, make space to celebrate the Black community, and lift up our ongoing work to make sure we don’t forget our past.”

SB22-139 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.