Juneteenth Becomes Colorado State Holiday

DENVER, CO — Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law on Monday officially recognizing Juneteenth as Colorado's 11th state holiday.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, Sen. James Coleman, Sen. Janet Buckner, members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, President of Colorado WINS Skip Miller, President of Juneteenth Music Festival Norman Harris, Cleo Parker Robinson, in addition to members of the community.

"This milestone is an important step toward the foundation of equal rights in our country and we are proud of our state for being on the forefront of this legislation just as we have been in recognition of Juneteenth for over five decades," said Norman Harris, president of Juneteenth Music Festival LLC, in a statement."We can now focus on building a legacy of acceptance, empathy, and equality for all. Whether here in Five Points at our annual celebration, up north in Fort Collins, or south in Colorado Springs, we look forward to wishing everyone a Happy Juneteenth this year.”

Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday by Congress and President Joe Biden last year. The legislation to make Juneteenth a Colorado state holiday was first introduced in February and passed with bipartisan support, according to a news release.

"For more than 200 years, Black Coloradans and Americans have celebrated Juneteenth, not only as an end to slavery, but also as a day that represents freedom, hope and joy. It’s about time we officially recognize Juneteenth in Colorado law,” Polis said. "Our state’s diversity is our greatest power, and with today’s signing we take another step toward building a Colorado for all."