North Fulton Today

Juneteenth felt extra special to Sen. Sonya Halpem (D-Atlanta) as she celebrated in East Point and Atlanata with the recognition of the day as a federal holiday.

On June 17, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, which officially recognized Juneteenth as the newest federal holiday since Martin Luther King Day was officially declared 38 years ago, CNET reported.

"Juneteenth marks the day the last slaves were freed in TX in 1865 and is considered the longest running African American holiday. This year feels xtra special since President Biden designated it a federal holiday earlier this week. On this Juneteenth I honor my ancestors, the hardships they endured, the hope they kept, and the battles they fought to be free." Halpem said in a June 19 Twitter post.

The city of Atlanta recently held a weekend-long festival to celebrate Juneteenth, which was recently recognized as a federal holiday. The event was held at the Centennial Olympic Park and featured a music festival with nationally recognized artists performing and also a parade to celebrate black history.

"Great to see so many friends/neighbors and bonus: rode in the parade and was made an honorary member of the Corvette Club! May today’s celebrations guide us toward a brighter, more equitable future for all Americans," Halpem said on Twitter. 

Halpem said on Twitter that on this Juneteenth she honored her ancestors, the hardships they endured, the hope they kept, and the battles they fought to be free.