New York Codes, Rules and Regulations › Title 9 - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT › Subtitle A - Governor's Office › Chapter I - Executive Orders › Part 8 - Executive Orders (Andrew M. Cuomo) › Section 8.204 - Executive Order No. 204: Declaring Juneteenth a Holiday for New York State Employees

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 28, July 10, 2024
WHEREAS, the news of liberation of slaves came to Texas
					 more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln"TMs Emancipation
					 Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863; African Americans across the
					 state were made aware of their right to freedom on June 19, 1865, when Major
					 General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with federal troops to read General
					 Order No. 3 announcing the end of the Civil War and that all enslaved people
					 were now free, as well as to maintain a presence in Texas for the purpose of
					 enforcement of emancipation among slave-owners throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, the Empire State has a tradition of acknowledging
					 significant milestones in advancing the cause of freedom, and New Yorkers, some
					 of whom descend directly from those brave men and women that gained freedom on
					 that day, join in celebrating the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, an
					 observance that commemorates the official announcement made in the State of
					 Texas regarding the abolition of slavery and the freeing of some
					 quarter-million African Americans; and
WHEREAS, the observance of Juneteenth honors the history,
					 perseverance, and achievements of African Americans, and celebrates America"TMs
					 progress and continuing commitment to realizing the principles of liberty and
					 equality upon which our nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, this observance is a reminder of the hardships and
					 losses suffered by African Americans in their struggle to attain freedom, and
					 we pay tribute to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in this
					 quest; through their experiences and those of others who were successful in
					 achieving victory, we find among the most poignant and valuable lessons of
					 humankind that continue to resonate with people of all backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, the official emancipation of African Americans
					 throughout the United States literally and figuratively opened doors of
					 opportunity that enabled following generations to contribute immeasurably to
					 our nation"TMs richness, equality of citizens, and global leadership, and today
					 communities across our state "" from Brooklyn to Buffalo "" mark the
					 anniversary of Juneteenth with appropriate commemoration; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that all New Yorkers join to
					 commemorate such an important day in our nation"TMs history, as we take this
					 opportunity to reflect upon and rejoice in the freedom and civil rights that we
					 all share as Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State
					 of New York, by virtue of the Constitution of the State of New York,
					 specifically Article IV, section one, and the laws of the state of New York do
					 hereby recognize June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth, which shall be a holiday for
					 state employees, who if not required to work, shall be entitled to leave at
					 full pay without charge to existing accruals and for those employees who are
					 required to work, they shall receive one day of compensatory time.
Signed: Andrew M. Cuomo
Dated: June 17, 2020