Push for Juneteenth as an Oklahoma State Holiday Continues

Oklahoma is still working to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, even though it's already celebrated at the federal level. This ongoing effort is led by State Senator Nikki Nice, who believes Oklahoma's own history makes the case for official recognition especially strong. The story covers Oklahoma's deep ties to Juneteenth, references to past and recent political statements, and why proponents believe this day matters for the state.

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1. The Ongoing Campaign for Recognition

The push to designate Juneteenth as an official state holiday in Oklahoma hasn't slowed down, even after it became a recognized federal holiday in 2021. State Senator Nikki Nice is one of the most passionate advocates for this cause. She points out that Juneteenth is not just a national celebration, but a day with deep roots in Oklahoma's own history.

Nice emphasizes that Oklahoma's connection to Juneteenth is significant because of key events that happened in the state itself. She explains:

"It was based on those 1866 treaties that were signed at the battle of honey springs in Oklahoma."

These treaties declared that enslaved people held by certain Native American tribes were to be freed, marking an important but often overlooked chapter in the story of emancipation. Nice wants Oklahomans to realize that the history of Juneteenth is not just something that happened in Texas or elsewhere—Oklahoma played a direct role.

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2. Historical Context Often Forgotten

While most people associate Juneteenth with June 19, 1865—when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that all enslaved people were free—there's more to the story, especially from an Oklahoma perspective. Senator Nice highlights this point, saying:

"So the story stops in Oklahoma, and therefore Oklahomans should be claiming the story of Juneteenth."

She's calling attention to the fact that, for many, the narrative of emancipation ends with Texas, but the impact and events related to Juneteenth continued into Oklahoma. Nice believes it's important for residents to know this part of their heritage and to feel proud of Oklahoma's place in the history of freedom.

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3. Past Recognition and Present Challenges

Oklahoma's acknowledgment of Juneteenth isn't brand new. Back in June 2020, Governor Stitt issued a statement to mark the day. In his statement, he invoked the well-known "Oklahoma Standard," a phrase used to describe the state's tradition of coming together and overcoming adversity. Stitt stated:

"[The] state should lead the way being forever willing to overcome differences."

Despite these encouraging words, there are still hurdles. Senator Nice notes that, in recent years, there has been a push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from schools and workplaces. This trend makes it even more pressing, she says, to officially recognize Juneteenth—not just as a symbol, but as a commitment to progress and understanding.

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4. Federal Holiday Status and Local Actions

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, thanks to the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act signed by President Joe Biden. But Senator Nice and other advocates say federal recognition isn't enough. They believe Oklahoma should take the next step by establishing Juneteenth as an official state holiday as well.

Nice encourages everyone who supports this cause to take action:

"Contact your legislatures in an effort to make it a state holiday."

She wants people to know that making their voices heard can help finally get Juneteenth the state-level recognition she believes it deserves.

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Final Thoughts

The movement to make Juneteenth a state holiday in Oklahoma is about more than just adding another day off. It's about acknowledging the state's unique place in American history and refusing to let important stories be forgotten. As Senator Nikki Nice reminds us, embracing Juneteenth on the state level would not only honor the past but also show Oklahoma's ongoing willingness to "overcome differences" and build a more inclusive future.