House Bill 309 would change when Utah celebrates Juneteenth National Freedom Day to match the federal holiday date.

This bill should be supported because recognizing Juneteenth puts Utah’s values of freedom, education, equal opportunity, and social tolerance for all on full display. 

This issue is very important because Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the US, showing true American ideals of liberty. HB 309 is sponsored  by Sen. Kirk Culliimore and Rep. Sandra Hollins, the first Black woman to serve in the Utah Legislature.

The bill seeks to establish the state’s recognition of Juneteenth to align with the national one. This would allow Utah schools and local businesses to take a day off on the same day as the national holiday to formally recognize and educate citizens about this important moment in history. Our current national conversations and disagreements about civic education, unity, and historical recognition makes now the perfect opportunity for Utah to show leadership to the rest of the country by acknowledging the FULL story of American freedom.

My main concern about this issue is to ensure that future generations understand the achievements and struggles that shaped the US as a country. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This matters because civic awareness strengthens our beautiful democratic system that makes the United States the United States. Additionally, research has shown that students who engage with diversity and inclusion and accurate history develop more community engagement. 

This issue matters to me personally because as a young African American I believe that young people should learn about my race’s history and involvement in creating this country. As a student, I see how meaningful it is when schools acknowledge events that represent freedom and progress. Judge does a great job at recognizing this inclusivity, and I feel that it is my responsibility to facilitate this as I am the Diversity and Inclusion chair in my student government.

This is not just a policy debate. It is about whether young people from all backgrounds in Utah feel that their history is valued within our state’s story.