Hochul Signs Executive Order Making Juneteenth a Statewide Holiday
Governor Kathy Hochul released the final report from the New York State Commission on African American History on June 19 and announced $16 million to support the development and implementation of recommendations from the report. The first-of-its-kind report details the commission’s policy recommendations for investment in key areas such as education, community and economic development, arts and culture, and more. The report’s goal is to commemorate overlooked achievements from the past and offer actions that the State can advance to counterbalance historic disparities in the Black community.
“While Juneteenth is a joyous occasion, it’s also a reminder of how we must reckon with all parts of our shared history as New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “Thanks to the great work of this commission, we are making progress to right the wrongs of the past as we celebrate and preserve the history of our state’s Black community for generations to come.”
Established by Executive Order 15 in March 2022, the New York State Commission on African American History is housed at the Department of State and serves to highlight contributions by Africans and African-Americans to the United States and New York. Over the course of two years, the commission achieved its objective by partnering with stakeholders and community-based organizations to bring New Yorkers together through public meetings, events, cultural programming, and more.
Over the next two years, Hochul will use this funding to advance recommendations made by the commission in observance of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of eleven captured Africans brought to New Amesterdam for purchase in New York State, occurring in 2026.
Hochul has already taken several steps to advance the commission’s recommendations, including:
- Signing legislation to continue New York’s leadership on racial equity by creating a new commission to study reparations and racial justice.
- Launching a funded Black Leadership Institute at the State University of New York (SUNY) to attract, support, retain, and foster the success of emerging and current African-American and Black leaders within the SUNY educational system.
- Establishing the Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship to honor her service and legacy and support future leaders.
- Announcing the I LOVE NY Black travel initiative to grow New York State tourism and encourage Black traveler visitation.
“A wise person once told me that diversity is a reality while inclusion is a choice,” said NYS Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “On this Juneteenth, I contemplate the reality that so many freed individuals never knew of their newfound status, and many others’ freedom was purposefully delayed at the expense of maintaining the remnants of a cruel world. So, as we acknowledge and celebrate the end of the final vestiges of slavery in the United States, we must never forget those who weren’t allowed to live as free individuals. It is proclaimed that history is lived forward but it is written in retrospect. We remain grateful for the history we’re allowed to retell so that we may uplift one another and continue to move our nation forward.”
Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, the vice chairperson of the NYS Commission on African American History and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, said, “So many stories from the public visits that the Commission conducted throughout the past two years still sit with me; hearing from communities about the contributions made by African-Americans throughout our history was a window into the wealth and knowledge that reside in our communities. This report and the budget investment of $16 million will most certainly enlighten our communities to the significant history and contributions of African-Americans in New York State and inspire the heroes and sheroes of today. We cannot move forward without knowing where we’ve been, and this will encourage future generations to honor the examples set by our ancestors. I am honored to have been a part of this work.”
Assemblymember and Michaelle C. Solages said, “I am encouraged by the release of the final report from the New York State Commission on African American History and the allocation of $16 million to advance its recommendations,” added Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages (D-Valley Stream), who also chairs the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. “This initiative offers a vital framework for addressing systemic inequities and fostering economic, educational, and social opportunities for Black communities across our state. We are committed to supporting these efforts and working collaboratively to ensure these recommendations result in tangible, positive outcomes for our communities.”
In recognition of Juneteenth, Governor Hochul signed a proclamation declaring the holiday in New York State. Additionally, the Pan-African flag will be raised over the New York State Capitol and state landmarks will be illuminated red, black, and green.