New York declares Juneteenth a holiday for state employees

New York’s goverr signed an executive order Wednesday recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees to commemorate emancipation of slaves in U.S.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will propose legislation next year making June 19 a permanent state holiday.

“It is a day we should all reflect upon. It is a day that is especially relevant in this moment in history,” Cuomo said.

Several states alrey observe Juneteenth. Texas was first to make it a state holiday, in 1980. Virginia's goverr proposed making Juneteenth a state holiday re earlier this week.

President Abraham Lincoln first issued Emancipation Proclamation declaring all slaves free in Confederate territory on Sept. 22, 1862, but news took time to travel.

June 19, 1865, is date when word of proclamation reached African Americans in Texas.