With Michigan’s governor signing legislation this week making Juneteenth a state holiday, local Black leaders are praising the significance of the change.
The law means that in Michigan, June 19 will be celebrated as Juneteenth, a day to highlight Black history and culture, commemorate the end of slavery in America, and celebrate freedom, liberty, and equality. Local leader, leading voice in the black community, and Berrien County Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough says people can use the day to learn more about that moment in history.
“There’s so many things that I wonder about. And so there should be more printed about it or brought out about it. It’s too late to ask people that actually went through that.”
Berrien County government observed the holiday in 2022 after the Michigan Supreme Court ordered all courts to observe the day. The decision was left up to counties this year and the decision was made not to close. Commissioner Yarbrough says that won’t happen again.
“I’m going to March for that. Whatever needs to happen,” Yarbrough said.
