De Blasio Makes Juneteenth An Official New York City Holiday

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the city will officially observe Juneteenth as a city and school holiday starting next year.

All New York City schools and city departments will observe the holiday, de Blasio said at a press conference with New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray and Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson.

De Blasio added that the holiday will provide a time for celebration of the city's black history and culture, while also serving as a reminder of the way that racism continues to work in the city.

First Lady Chirlane McCray also announced that New York City will form a racial justice and reconciliation commission, saying that it will "promote social learning, collective introspection, and other measures to tear down the barriers to true equality."

Thompson noted that while the city holiday doesn't officially take place until next year, the city's Department of Education already planned to educate students about the holiday.