Governor also expands protections in state hiring and employment to include natural hairstyles

FRANKFORT, KY - On May 23, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear declared Juneteenth – a day that commemorates African Americans’ many contributions and long struggle for freedom, justice and equality – as a state Executive Branch holiday to give thanks in the commonwealth.

The Governor signed an executive order declaring that, beginning this year, each June 19 shall be observed in Kentucky as Juneteenth National Day of Freedom.

“Juneteenth is an important day for all Kentuckians to observe and honor the historic and continuing contributions of African Americans in making our commonwealth the place we love and call home,” Gov. Beshear said. “My hope is that everyone embraces the spirit of emancipation and freedom that this day represents as we build a better Kentucky that welcomes everyone.”

Juneteenth commemorates the day of June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, bringing news that slavery in the United States had ended by executive decree. And despite it having been issued two and a half years earlier, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation only then came into force, freeing the enslaved in Western Texas.

Each year, Americans celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 by celebrating and reflecting on the history, journey and culture of African Americans.

In 2021, Juneteenth was made a national holiday by virtue of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. It is the first new holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday nearly four decades prior. At least 28 states and the District of Columbia currently observe Juneteenth as a holiday.

The Governor’s actions come after the General Assembly did not enact legislation, during three previous legislative sessions, that would have made Juneteenth a state holiday.

“Kentucky must continue to work toward creating a more equitable and just commonwealth, while recognizing the horrors of slavery and its legacy,” Gov. Beshear said. “Recognition of Juneteenth reflects the commonwealth’s resounding belief in liberty and equality for every citizen, and I urge other employers to take action to join us in observing this state holiday.”

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg offered his support for the state holiday: “Louisville is proud to recognize Juneteenth as a city holiday so that our community can come together to commemorate the end of slavery, recognize our past, learn from it and continue the work needed to create a more inclusive city. We are proud to stand in support of Gov. Beshear and all of Team Kentucky in making Juneteenth a statewide holiday. Thank you, Governor for taking this positive step forward for Kentucky and our people.”

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton offered words of support: “Over the past two years, Lexington has recognized Juneteenth as an official holiday for government workers, and passage of the CROWN Act ordinance. Congratulations, Gov. Beshear, on taking these steps forward.”

Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller joined the Governor to announce that Franklin County will also be recognizing the holiday for the first-time this year: “We all know the history of Juneteenth, and we cannot ignore our past. To do so would encourage ignorance. Instead, we must educate ourselves and our community. But Juneteenth not only marks a day of independence for African Americans, it’s also a time where we recognize the contributions and leaders from our Black communities and stand with them on this day. Today, I will be signing an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as holiday for Franklin County, and I am proud to do that.”

Gov. Beshear also was joined Matthew Brown of Louisville, son of the late J. Michael Brown, the Governor’s former Executive Cabinet secretary. Matthew Brown read today’s executive order, extending a role in which his father served during previous Juneteenth commemorations.

Expanded state employment protections for natural hair
Also today, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order that expands protections in state hiring and employment by prohibiting discrimination based on “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to natural hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locs and twists.”

“By taking this action, we are doing what is right for our employees by creating an intentionally inclusive environment for natural hair and protective styles in state government employment,” the Governor said. “We must make sure all our employees are treated fair and equitable.”

During recent legislative sessions, the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful World for Natural Hair), which would have created a statewide ban on discrimination based on natural hair and styles at work and at school, was introduced but failed to gain the support needed to become law.

The Governor was also joined by several state employees who also applauded the added protections, including Melinda Wofford, assistant director II at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Wofford also is a member of the state’s Black or African American Employee Resource Group and a 2024 graduate of the Governor's Minority Management Trainee Program.

“This is a historic day for Kentucky. Thank you, Governor, for recognizing me and embracing the individuality represented in our great commonwealth,” Wofford said. “Acknowledging cultural uniqueness is a strength, which provides peace in a world where everyone should feel comfortable and confident in reaching their potential without the fear of having to remove their crown.”

The Governor urged other employers to follow suit and thanked cities like Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort and Covington for previously adopting the CROWN Act.

The order directs the Secretary of the Finance and Administrative Cabinet to develop and implement policies to ensure state contracts include the new provisions. It also directs the secretary of the Personnel Cabinet to work with the Governor’s Executive Cabinet to implement the order.