Push for Juneteenth as an Oklahoma State Holiday Continues

Efforts are still underway in Oklahoma to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, even though it already holds federal holiday status. This movement highlights Oklahoma's unique historical connection to Juneteenth and calls for broader recognition locally. The campaign is led by State Senator Nikki Nice, who emphasizes how Oklahoma's rich history gives the state special reason to celebrate Juneteenth.

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1. Oklahoma's Deep Connection to Juneteenth

State Senator Nikki Nice has been a strong voice in pushing for Juneteenth to become an official state holiday in Oklahoma. She stresses that there is a special significance for Oklahoma because of its direct ties to important historical moments related to emancipation. As Nice explained:

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

Senator Nice pointed out that these treaties officially emancipated people who had been enslaved by Native American tribes in what is now Oklahoma. She believes this important part of history is still unfamiliar to many Oklahomans:

"It is a piece of history many may not know."

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2. The Broader Story of Juneteenth and Oklahoma's Role

Most people associate Juneteenth with June 19, 1865—the day Major General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that enslaved people were free. However, Senator Nice emphasizes that Oklahoma should also lay claim to this history, since significant steps toward emancipation happened there too:

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

By highlighting this, Nice wants to make sure Oklahomans recognize their state's powerful connection to the events commemorated by Juneteenth.

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3. Official Recognition Efforts Over the Years

Juneteenth has been on the radar for Oklahoma leaders in recent years. Back in June 2020, Governor Stitt released a statement recognizing Juneteenth as a day marking the end of slavery. He promoted the concept known as the Oklahoma Standard, encouraging Oklahomans to lead by example:

The state should lead the way, being forever willing to overcome differences.

Still, even after Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021—when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act—Oklahoma has yet to make it an official state holiday.

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4. Challenges Amid Changes in State Policy

In the years since federal recognition, there has also been a nationwide and local pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools and the workplace. Senator Nice referenced this trend, pointing out how these broader political shifts can make it even more challenging to gain support for a state holiday recognizing Juneteenth.

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5. What Supporters Can Do

Despite these challenges, Senator Nice remains determined. She encourages anyone who supports making Juneteenth a state holiday in Oklahoma to contact their legislators and express their views. This grassroots action could help move the issue forward in the state legislature.

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Final Thoughts

The campaign to make Juneteenth an official holiday in Oklahoma highlights the state's special connection to this important day in American history. With passionate leaders and supporters pushing for legislative change, the story of emancipation in Oklahoma continues to unfold. As Senator Nice reminds us, honoring Juneteenth at the state level would ensure that Oklahoma's role in this history is rightfully recognized and celebrated.