SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday issued the following statement in observance of Juneteenth, the national, federal holiday commemorating the date in 1865 when federal orders were read by Union Gen. Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas informing enslaved people they were free more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation:

“On this day of celebration, I am reflecting upon the long road we walk together toward equality, both our incredible progress and the strides we have yet to make. We also honor today the history and culture of Black Americans, who while facing adversity and discrimination have contributed in innumerable ways to the fabric of our nation.

“The unforgivable sin of slavery still impacts our country, and we, as a society, must continue to work hand-in-hand to right those unconscionable wrongs. As a leader, I reaffirm my commitment to building on our work toward a more just and equitable New Mexico.”

Juneteenth has been a New Mexico state holiday since 2006.

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