June 19th recognizes an important event in realizing the full emancipation of slaves in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation officially served to end slavery, it took over two years for the words of that statement to be fully enacted. Ever since, Juneteenth has been celebrated both unofficially and officially in various states. The day became formally recognized in Massachusetts in 2007, and became a federal holiday in 2021. You can celebrate locally at events such as Worcester’s annual Black Heritage Festival.

UMass Chan Medical School had added the holiday to its list of official holidays last year. The State’s new legal designation also adds June 19th to the list of dates recognized under Massachusetts’ “Blue Laws,” thereby creating time-off and premium pay requirements for retail employers.

SHARE values the importance of this day, recognizing the history of racism in our country, and the ways that the labor movement and the rights of BIPOC people (black people, indigenous people, and people of color) have been intertwined. SHARE will continue to work toward policies, pay structures, and cultural values that foster racial equity in our community.