"Juneteenth is a celebration of progress but also serves as a reminder of our responsibility as Americans of the work that remains to be done," Beshear said.
Beshear has long championed the holiday, providing executive branch employees with paid time off to observe the occasion.
Ahead of this year’s Juneteenth celebrations, the Governor took executive action to posthumously pardon 43 people who were wrongfully imprisoned for helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
"We know that in order to move forward as a country, we need to look back at one of the ugliest chapters in our history straight on without turning away. We've got to learn from it. And we must work to repair the lasting damage to make progress for a better tomorrow," said Beshear. "I know I'll never be able to feel the weight of racism, inequality, or injustice, but I'm committed to listening, trying to hear, and taking intentional steps forward because when we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it."
The Governor has consistently called on the General Assembly to pass legislation formally establishing Juneteenth as an annual state-sanctioned holiday.
This week, communities across the state are holding Juneteenth job fairs, health fairs, and Jubilee celebrations to promote inclusivity.
Click here for a list of Juneteenth Events in Lexington and Juneteenth Events Across Kentucky.
