PBS News Hour

The significance of Juneteenth, US's newest federal holiday

As of this Friday, Juneteenth — the day marking the end of slavery — is a federal holiday. Typically observed on the 19th of June, most federal employees will be able to observe it a day early because it lands on a Saturday this year. After a decades-long effort by activists, President Joe Biden signed it into law Thursday, making it the first new federal holiday since 1983. Amna Nawaz reports.

The significance of Juneteenth, US's newest federal holiday

6m 18s

  • November 21, 2024 - PBS News Hour full episode: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    November 21, 2024 - PBS News Hour full episode

    S2024 E327 - 56m 41s

    Thursday on the News Hour, Matt Gaetz drops his bid to serve as Trump's attorney general after failing to quell concerns about sex trafficking allegations. The International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister, its former defense minister and Hamas' military chief for crimes committed in Gaza. Plus, Sen. Sherrod Brown discusses the future of the Democratic Party.

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