Alabama House Passes Bill to Designate Juneteenth as State Holiday

Montgomery, AL – In a historic move, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday to declare Juneteenth a state holiday, a significant step in the recognition of African American history and the celebration of freedom. Sponsored by Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, House Bill 165 will close state offices on June 19, the date that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. “This is a bill that is constituent-driven, brought to me by my constituents,” Rehm stated, underscoring the grassroots support behind the legislation.

The passage of HB 165 is the culmination of years of advocacy by Black Democrats in the Alabama Legislature, who have long sought recognition of Juneteenth without the controversial stipulations that have hindered previous efforts. In past legislative sessions, proposals for the holiday were often met with resistance, with some being combined with Jefferson Davis’ Birthday—an official state holiday honoring the Confederate president and known slaveholder. Last year, a similar bill sponsored by Rep. Juanadalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, was altered to require state employees to choose between Juneteenth and Davis’ birthday, a politically charged compromise that ultimately stalled in the Senate.

The passing of Rehm’s bill, which makes Juneteenth a standalone holiday, is viewed by several Black lawmakers as a bittersweet victory. Reflecting on the dynamics of the legislature, Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Mobile, expressed gratitude for the bill’s approval but lamented that it took a white Republican to champion a cause that had been advocated by Black lawmakers for decades. “Sometimes we need to win for our community,” Bracy remarked, highlighting the long history of struggle for recognition among African American legislators.

The legislation passed overwhelmingly, with a vote of 85-4, and included an amendment by Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, to accelerate the effective date to June 1, allowing state employees to benefit from the holiday this year. This change was supported by Rehm, who emphasized the importance of timely recognition of this significant event. 

Governor Kay Ivey has acknowledged Juneteenth as a federal holiday for the past four years through signed memos, and it was officially recognized at the federal level in 2021. The move to make Juneteenth a state holiday solidifies Alabama’s commitment to honoring its history while also reflecting the evolving dialogue around race and justice in the state.