Biden celebrates Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, at the White House
President Joe Biden hosted a massive concert on the South Lawn of the White House to commemorate Juneteenth, the countryโs newest federal holiday which the president said will โbreathe a new life in the very essence of America.โ.
Black entrepreneurs in Roanoke celebrate freedom to honor Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States. Itโs a day that carries weight of the nationโs history and Black business owners in Roanoke are taking time to acknowledge the progression of the Black community.
Pres. Biden offers statement on Juneteenth
One year ago, I had the great honor of signing legislation to establish Juneteenth as a national holidayโthe first new federal holiday since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day nearly four decades ago.ย Juneteenthย marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugationย and a promise of a brighter morning to come. It is a day of profound weight and power that reminds us of our extraordinary capacityย to heal, hope,ย and emerge from our most painful moments into a better version of ourselves.ย Great nations donโt ignore their most painful moments. Theyย confrontย them to grow stronger. Andย that is what thisย great nationย must continue to do.
โIt means freedom!โ: Opal Lee, grandmother of Juneteenth, speaks at Virginia Tech
Sunday, Virginia Tech welcomed her for a community conversation. It was part of the Universityโs 1872 Forward celebration, a 3-day celebration that brings to life how the past shapes the present and leads the university into the future, according to their website.
Virginia lawmakers vote to make Juneteenth a state holiday
Juneteenth has officially become a state holiday after lawmakers unanimously approved legislation during the Virginia General Assembly special session. Juneteenth marks the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, which was the last state to abolish slavery. Ralph Northam signed the legislation on Oct. 13. Northam proposed making Juneteenth a state holiday in June during a press conference that included musician and Virginia native Pharrell Williams. Northam signed an executive order that gave executive branch employees and state colleges the day off.
As campaign heats up, Trump woos Latino, Black voters
He courted Hispanic voters near Miami and Black voters in Atlanta. โThis is an unusual name for an organization whose ideology and tactics are right now destroying many Black lives,โ Trump charged. On Friday morning, at his golf club in Doral, Florida, Trump tried to blunt Bidenโs support among Hispanic voters at a โLatinos for Trumpโ roundtable. But a Monmouth University poll also conducted this month found Biden well ahead of Trump among Latino voters in the state, 58% to 32%. Hispanic voters in Florida tend to be somewhat more Republican-leaning than Hispanic voters nationwide because of the stateโs Cuban American population, which Trump acknowledged several times in his remarks.
Up next for police defunding advocates: Win local elections
A person holds up a sign advocating for defunding the police as people gather to mark Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2020, in St. Louis. An outgrowth of the Defund the Police movement, the WFP Justice Fund is led by the Working Families Party and the Movement for Black Lives Electoral Justice Project. The result, they said, would be a shift in local government budgets and public safety systems around the country. For example, in Chicago's 2019 elections, WFP helped increase the council's Progressive Caucus to 18 seats out of the 50 total. In Washington, D.C., city council candidate Janeese Lewis George, backed by the Working Families Party, toppled an incumbent Democrat on a defunding platform and is in line to claim the seat in November.
Facebook groups pivot to attacks on Black Lives Matter
FILE - In this June 19, 2020, file photo, protesters wear protective masks as they march after a Juneteenth rally outside the Brooklyn Museum, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. A loose network of Facebook groups that took root across the country in April to organize protests over coronavirus stay-at-home orders has become a hub of misinformation and conspiracies theories that have pivoted to a variety of new targets. Their latest: Black Lives Matter and the nationwide protests against racial injustice. (AP Photo/John Minchillo
'Lift Every Voice and Sing' hymn ignites hope across nation
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)LOS ANGELES The Black national anthem was born more than a century ago, but the popular hymn within the African American community called Lift Every Voice and Sing has resurrected a beacon of hope during nationwide protests. The NAACP dubbed Lift Every Voice and Sing as the Black national anthem in 1919. Sharpton said the ability of Lift Every Voice and Sing enduring several generations speaks volumes. The NFL will play Lift Every Voice and Sing" before each game during Week 1, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press. There's always been the controversy about race being involved in the national anthem.
Walking tour of Roanokeโs โBlack Wall Streetโ capitalizes on growing Juneteenth energy
ROANOKE, Va. โ About a hundred people saw history on foot through Roanokeโs Gainsboro neighborhood on this Juneteenth 2020. Bell has spent the last few months learning everything there is to know about the neighborhood. โIt used to be our Black Wall Street, Black Wall Street is getting a lot of attention in Tulsa, Oklahoma over the past couple of months, but Roanoke had its own Black Wall Street and that was Gainsboro, Roanoke,โ Bell said. โHaving it offered today, and especially on Juneteenth, I was like, โYes, this is the way I want to celebrate,โ I want to learn history and do my part in terms of understanding what really happened,โ Trozzo said. Urban renewal happened, primarily to build the Roanoke Civic Center and Interstate 581 decimated the neighborhood back in the 60s.
โIโm black inside and out, and proud of thatโ: Teenagers lead Juneteenth march in Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. โ Juneteenth commemorations happened all across the country on Friday, but Roanokeโs celebration had a different set of leaders. Roanokeโs NAACP Youth Council organized Friday afternoonโs Juneteenth march through Roanokeโs Gainsboro neighborhood. โI realized Iโm black inside and out, and Iโm proud of that fact.โSeveral notable Roanokers attended the Juneteenth commemoration, including Mayor Sherman Lea, Police Chief Sam Roman, and Del. Washington-Brown said sheโs optimistic Roanoke can make even more social progress by the time next Juneteenth comes, especially if people her age speak up. โI hope that other youth see this, and are encouraged to step forward and use their voices,โ Washington-Brown said.
DC protesters pull down, burn statue of Confederate general
President Donald Trump quickly tweeted about the toppling, calling out D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and writing: The DC police are not doing their job as they watched a statue be ripped down and burn. After the statue fell, most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House. The Pike statue has been a source of controversy over the years. The former Confederate general was also a longtime influential leader of the Freemasons, who revere Pike and who paid for the statue. Ever since 1992, members of the DC Council have been calling on the federal govt to remove the statue of Confederate Albert Pike (a federal memorial on federal land).
The Latest: Beyonc single benefits Black-owned businesses
The singer's website says the song released late Friday, June 19, 2020, will benefit black-owned small businesses. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)TOP OF THE HOUR: Beyonc releases new single to benefit Black-owned small businesses. Nevada officials renew proposal to remove statue of McCarran. ___LOS ANGELES Beyonc did not let Juneteenth pass without dropping one of her signature surprises in the form a new single called Black Parade.The singers website says the song released late Friday will benefit Black-owned small businesses. Make America great again give me the date that America was great for everybody, Sharpton said.
Minnesota ends special session without deal on policing
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)MINNEAPOLIS A special session of the Minnesota Legislature ended Saturday without agreement on remaking policing in the state where George Floyd was killed. I'm deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans ended the special session before our job was done," Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent tweeted. Were not walking away from Minnesota here, but I think we could all benefit from a breather, Gazelka said just before adjournment, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The special session was necessary for Democratic Gov. If Walz seeks to extend his emergency powers an additional 30 days, he's required to call another special session for July 12 to let lawmakers object.
Lynchburg NAACP holding a 5-mile bike ride for racial justice
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ The Juneteenth celebrations will continue in Lynchburg on Saturday. Members of Lynchburgโs NAACP are asking people to participate in a 5-mile bike ride for racial justice. Organizers said the bike ride will honor the holiday, show solidarity and raise money for the local chapter. People will gather at Percival Isle near the LOVE sign at 1 p.m.
Lynchburg celebrates Juneteenth in a virtual way
LYNCHBURG, Va. โ People in Lynchburg could not physically meet to celebrate Juneteenth because of the coronavirus pandemic, but some chose to bring the celebration to the community online. Dancers with Lynchburgโs Juneteenth Coalition took the stage to perform African dances before an empty theater. Dancers with Lynchburgโs Juneteenth Coalition took the stage to perform African dances before an empty theater. Hundreds watched the dancing and listened to the mayor and local poets thanks to the livestream, which you can watch a replay of here. Organizers with the Academy Center of Arts said the event was planned months ago before the governorโs state-paid holiday announcement.
5 Things to Know for Today
Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, originated 155 years ago. (Stuart Villanueva/The Galveston County Daily News via AP, File)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. YOUNG IMMIGRANTS STILL FACE UNCERTAINTY The Supreme Court rejected Trumps effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, but activists say legislation giving them a path to U.S. citizenship remains elusive. SINGAPORE OPENS GYMS, DINING OUT The latest relaxation in the city-state comes as reopenings in many places around the world are touching off fresh spikes in coronavirus infections. BIDEN SEIZES ON BOLTON BOOK The Democrats top aides say Trump kowtowed to Xi Jinping and ignored human rights abuses while trying to get the Chinese presidents assistance with domestic politics.
New solo version of Aretha song about race, faith released
NEW YORK A never-before-heard solo version of the late Aretha Franklins riveting and powerful collaboration with Mary J. Blige about faith and race, 2006s Never Gonna Break My Faith, has arrived on Juneteenth. Never Gonna Break My Faith resonates today, featuring lyrics like: You can lie to a child with a smiling face/Tell me that color aint about a race.The world is very different now. It deserves to be an anthem.Never Gonna Break My Faith won best gospel performance at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, marking Franklins 18th and final Grammy win. This solo version has been sitting on my computer for years, and when I heard Clive was making a film on Arethas life, I sent this version to him. Im so glad its being released, the world needs this right now.
Whats News Today: Juneteenth, Fathers Day
ROANOKE, Va. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine will hold a virtual discussion with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Virginia today. Governor Northam made today a holiday for state workers. The governor plans to propose legislation to make it a permanent state holiday. Friendship Health and Rehab will hold a Fathers Day Parade today. Its a chance for loved ones to connect with their fathers in the age of COVID-19.
More U.S. workers getting Juneteenth off as awareness grows
The date - June 19th - is not a federal holiday, and many non-black Americans have only recently become of aware of the day. Several of her employees are spending the day volunteering for the Juneteenth Freedom Phonebank, an initiative encouraging Census participation. Declaring the date a federal holiday would add considerable momentum, and there is growing support for the idea. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, introduced legislation Thursday to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. In contrast, 93% of employers close on Independence day, with similar rates for Labor Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
Around sports world, Juneteenth celebrated like never before
Weve never posted about Juneteenth, but it is always the right time to do better than before," read a tweet posted by the New England Patriots. The Miami Heat celebrated the day with a pledge to make financial contributions and other commitments to organizations trying to eliminate racial inequality. Hockey's San Jose Sharks told fans that it was fine to not know where to start when it comes to understanding the significance of Juneteenth. In recognition of Juneteenth, our front office is starting a new tradition," read a statement on the Sharks' site. As an organization, we will be dedicating time on this day each year to actively participate in Juneteenth.
Juneteenth: A day of joy and pain - and now national action
In just about any other year, Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage, would be marked with a cookout, a parade, or a community festival. But Juneteenth 2020 will be a day of protest in may places Friday, June 19. The day is recognized in 47 states and the District of Columbia, according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees. So Juneteenth is a celebratory event but were not celebrating the country.
Roanoke City leaders support governorโs goal of making Juneteenth a state holiday
ROANOKE, Va. โ Roanoke City leaders said they support Gov. Ralph Northamโs move to make Juneteenth a state holiday and would like to make it an official holiday in the Star City, too. Vice Mayor Joe Cobb told 10 News in an email: โI support the Governorโs decision wholeheartedly. Those holidays can change from year to year with councilโs approval because sometimes there are overtime costs that need to be considered. Unless there are any impacts upon the courts or State-funded positions, I am unaware of any local steps that are required, based on the decision the Governor made yesterday.โ
What is Juneteenth? It could become a state holiday in Virginia
Ralph Northam announced he is looking to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union general Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all slaves in Texas were free. The day is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Four hours of additional holiday time are also granted to state employees on the day before Thanksgiving. 2020 was the final year Virginia recognized Lee-Jackson Day as a state holiday.
WATCH: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam gives June 16 coronavirus update, joined by Pharrell Williams
Ralph Northam gave an update on the stateโs response to the coronavirus on Tuesday afternoon. Also on Tuesday, the governor, joined by Grammy-winning musician and Virginia native, Pharrell Williams, announced his plan to make Juneteenth a state holiday in Virginia. As of Tuesday, there are 55,331 coronavirus cases in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. [Where are Virginiaโs coronavirus cases? The health departmentโs interactive map]The governor is now only be giving coronavirus updates on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
New this week: Neil Young, 'Miss Juneteenth,' Padma Lakshmi
This combination of cover images show, from left, Rough and Rowdy Ways," by Bob Dylan, "Homegrown," a release by Neil Young and "Bigger Love" by John Legend. Peoples film will debut Friday on-demand on Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Miss Juneteenth isnt about that history but the contemporary African American struggle to remain in the middle class. AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSICBob Dylan: Its been eight years since the legend Bob Dylan released an album of original material. Neil Young: Neil Young also has a new album out on Friday, though he finished it 45 years ago.
Trump moved Tulsa rally date after learning about Juneteenth
Trump had scheduled the rally for June 19, known as Juneteenth because it marks the end of slavery in the United States. He didn't see it as disrespectful to be able to do it on Juneteenth, Lankford said. Other people interpreted it differently and so he moved the rally date.Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said he was thankful that Trump rescheduled the rally. But Trump's campaign was aware, according to two campaign officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose internal discussions. Although selecting June 19 was not meant to be incendiary, some pushback was expected, the Trump campaign officials said.
Trump reschedules campaign rally after Juneteenth uproar
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that he is rescheduling his first campaign rally in months to a day later so it won't conflict with the Juneteenth observance of the end of slavery in the United States. Trump had scheduled the rally his first since early March for June 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Black leaders said it was offensive for Trump to pick that day and that place, a city that in 1921 was the site of a fiery and orchestrated white-on-black attack. Trump tweeted late Friday, Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out of respect for this Holiday." He said he is moving the rally to June 20 to honor their requests.Trump's signature rallies often draw tens of thousands of people but have been on hiatus since March 2 because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed more than 110,000 people in the U.S.
Nike, NFL and others to start giving workers Juneteenth off
Nike, the NFL and other businesses are giving their employees a paid day off on Juneteenth for the first time, the latest example of how American employers are responding to protests that have placed additional attention on racial injustice in the U.S. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and slavery.
NFL plans to observe Juneteenth as league holiday
The NFL plans to recognize Juneteenth as a league holiday. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement to league employees on Friday in an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. Juneteenth is considered the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Colin Kaepernick began raising awareness for these problems by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. Juneteenth not only marks the end of slavery in the United States, but it also symbolizes freedom a freedom that was delayed, and brutally resisted; and though decades of progress followed, a freedom for which we must continue to fight.___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL