Fact Check: Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.

Fact Check: "Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021."

What We Know

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially designating June 19 as a federal holiday. This act commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, particularly marking the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln (source-6, source-8). In his proclamation, Biden emphasized the importance of acknowledging this day as a moment of reflection on the history of slavery and a commitment to racial equity (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that "Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was widely reported and celebrated as a significant step in recognizing the historical injustices faced by African Americans (source-3, source-7).

The law was passed by Congress shortly before Biden's signing, indicating a strong legislative backing for the holiday. The act received bipartisan support, which adds to its legitimacy as a federal holiday (source-4).

In terms of source reliability, the information comes from reputable news organizations, government documents, and official proclamations. The New York Times, NPR, and the Associated Press are all established news outlets known for their journalistic integrity. The proclamation itself is a primary source, directly from the White House, making it highly credible (source-1, source-6).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021 is accurate. The signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17, 2021, officially established June 19 as a federal holiday, marking a significant moment in American history and the ongoing commitment to addressing racial equity.

Sources

1. A Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2021
2. PDF Juneteenth National Independence Day Holiday
3. Juneteenth
4. PDF Juneteenth National Independence Day: A New Federal Holiday - Congress.gov
5. Our American Story - Juneteenth
6. Biden Signs Law Making Juneteenth a Federal Holiday
7. Biden Signs Juneteenth Holiday Into Law - NPR
8. Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday