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Juneteenth will be a paid holiday for city workers in New York for the first time this year, mayor Eric Adams has announced, further crystalizing recognition of the date commemorating the end of slavery in the US and fulfilling a promise made by his predecessor Bill de Blasio.
He made the announcement in a Monday morning tweet citing the urgency of the declaration.
As the second Black mayor of New York City, I know that I stand on the shoulders of countless heroes and sheroes who put their lives on the line to secure a more perfect union. Now is the time for me to do a small part and recognize one of our nation’s greatest wrongs.
Juneteenth is a time for reflection, assessment, and self-improvement. People across the country of all races, nationalities, and religions unite on this day to truthfully acknowledge the stain of slavery and celebrate the countless contributions of Black Americans. It’s time for our city to finally do what’s right and officially designate Juneteenth as a city holiday.
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Source: The Guardian