Nassau Democrats Try Again To Make Juneteenth An Official County Holiday

MINEOLA, NY — While Thursday is Juneteenth, a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S. after the Civil War, a group of lawmakers now want it recognized in Nassau County.

Legislator Olena Nicks, along with other member of legislature's Minority Caucus, introduced legislation on Wednesday to officially make Juneteenth a county holiday .

It was established as a federal holiday in 2021, marking the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the last enslaved Americans.

Since then, every U.S. state and every town and city in Nassau County, has recognized Juneteenth, except for the county, a spokesperson for the caucus said.

“If Nassau County claims to recognize Juneteenth, then why does everything stay open like it’s just another Thursday?” Nicks said. "Recognition without observance is just performance. You can’t say you honor a holiday and then ignore it when the calendar date arrives.”

This will be the fourth attempt by Democrats since 2021 to pass legislation that makes Juneteenth an official holiday. Each time, the Republican-controlled legislature has refused to advance the proposal.

“This isn’t about a day off — it’s about showing up for what matters,” said Legislator Arnold Drucker. “And right now, Nassau County is showing up late and empty-handed. Juneteenth is about freedom delayed, but here, even the recognition of that freedom keeps getting delayed.”