"After years of inaction, I've decided I can no longer wait for others to do what is right," Beshear told an audience in the Capitol Rotunda. "So in a few moments, I'll once again sit at that signing table. But this time I will sign an executive order officially making Juneteenth a day to give thanks to the many contributions of African-Americans, and naming it and executive branch holiday here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky."
For years, Kentucky legislators have unsuccessfully worked to add Juneteenth – a commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War – to the list of official state holidays.
One of the voices behind the movement, Democratic Sen. Gerald Neal, says Beshear’s action can pave the way for that legislation – and he urged his colleagues to make it happen during the next legislative session.
"The delay in recognizing Juneteenth often stems from differing priorities among lawmakers. However, this should not deter our efforts," the lawmaker said. "Recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday honors the legacy and contributions of African- Americans to our nation's history. It adds to that story that we all are continuing to make."
So far, at least 23 other states have recognized Juneteenth as a holiday. Lexington is among the cities that have done the same. Thursday, Franklin County joined the list.
Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021.
In addition, the governor also put pen to paper to sign language mirroring the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on hairstyles historically associated with race.
