Albany, NY – In response to the Nassau County Executive Blakeman Administration’s unwillingness to make Juneteenth a paid County holiday, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Chair of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, released the following statement ahead of the holiday’s observance:

“It is unacceptable that the County Executive refuses to honor the national observance of Juneteenth. Nassau County represents several unique cultures and ethnicities, some of which are being disregarded by this upsetting decision. Although the County held a recent Juneteenth celebration, the Nassau County Government refuses to recognize Juneteenth as a paid County holiday, unlike the federal and state governments. June 19th, 1865 was the day the enslaved people of Texas learned of their newfound freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Ignoring the actual significance of this anniversary is a disservice to those who were liberated as well as their descendants.

The people of Nassau County deserve more than just a concert and a lackluster acknowledgment of this milestone legislation. This is an important day of celebration for many New Yorkers. The Legislative Majority should acknowledge this holiday as they would acknowledge any other, allowing people a day to rest and celebrate while reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth as a landmark for the cultural independence of Black Americans across the country.”