Gov. Andy Beshear declared Juneteenth — a day that commemorates African Americans’ many contributions and long struggle for freedom, justice and equality — as a state Executive Branch holiday to give thanks in the commonwealth. Franklin County Judge-Executive Michael Mueller announced that the county will also be recognizing the holiday for the first-time this year.
The governor signed an executive order declaring that, beginning this year, each June 19 shall be observed in Kentucky as Juneteenth National Day of Freedom.
Gov. Andy Beshear, left, and Franklin County Judge-Executive Michael Mueller sign executive orders declaring Juneteenth a holiday at the Capitol on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Tippett)