As the festival organizer of The South Carolina Juneteenth Freedom Fest, I am creating this petition in support of the bill (S0005) introduced by Sen. Darrell Jackson. This bill seeks to amend Section 53-5-10, Code Of Laws Of South Carolina, 1976, to declare June 19th, known as Juneteenth, as a State Legal Holiday.

Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the United States in 1865, holds profound historical significance. It symbolizes the triumph of African Americans over the horrors of slavery and highlights the values of education, freedom, and the remarkable achievements of African Americans throughout history. Juneteenth serves as a time for reflection, rejoicing, community assessment, self-improvement, and future planning.

By supporting this bill, we can contribute to shifting the narrative in South Carolina. Instead of glorifying racist slave owners, we can focus on recognizing and honoring the immense contributions African Americans have made in the face of tremendous adversity. South Carolina bears a painful history of slavery and racial discrimination, but now is the time to showcase how far we have come and to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans.

As a Juneteenth Celebration organizer, I invite other festival organizers and state legislators to join us in signing this petition. Together, let us seize this incredible opportunity to demonstrate to the rest of the country the progress South Carolina has made and to serve as a beacon of inclusivity, equality, and unity.