HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Friday marks the one year anniversary of Pennsylvania recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
Governor Tom Wolf is honoring the day and encouraging Pennsylvanians to do the same.
"This Juneteenth, people across Pennsylvania and the world will celebrate this important day of independence,” Wolf said in a release. “This is a moment to honor African American history and reflect on how each of us can promote equality, liberty and justice for all people.
"In recent weeks, people around the nation have joined together to demand an end to systemic racism and oppression of African Americans,” said Gov. Wolf. “Freedom for all is not fully realized until every person is truly free. This Juneteenth we have an opportunity to unite against injustice and create lasting change that will make Pennsylvania and our nation a better place for everyone."
Juneteenth commemorates the day slavery ended (June 19, 1865) in the United States. The state will recognize the day as a holiday closure for state employees under Wolf's jurisdiction.
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