Juneteenth Celebrated in California as Paid Holiday

State Employees Gain Juneteenth Day Off Option

A Proclamation by Governor Newsom Recognizes Juneteenth National Freedom Day

WEB SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring Juneteenth National Freedom Day. Starting this year, California state employees can choose to take Juneteenth off in lieu of a personal holiday.

In 2021, President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and the state of California followed suit last year. Despite being a federal holiday, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, and California law does not require employers to give days off for Juneteenth.

The proclamation from Governor Newsom is a symbolic gesture recognizing the importance of Juneteenth in California's history. It also serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is not over.