Legislators want to put Juneteenth holiday in West Virginia State Code

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – West Virginia does not recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.  Since it was declared a Federal Holiday in 2021, it was made a state holiday by way of proclamation under the Justice Administration.

The Morrisey Administration issued a proclamation recognizing the federal holiday, which marks the end of slavery but did not proclaim it a state holiday.

“West Virginia has a proud founding as a free state during the Civil War and was built upon the principles of freedom and liberty,” said Morrisey. “Juneteenth is an important day in our nation’s history and serves as a reminder that all of us should be treated equally under the eyes of God and the law.”

Thursday, Democratic minority leader and Delegate Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell) and Delegate Hollis Lewis (D-Kanawha) organized an event at the State Capitol to commemorate the day.

Hollis said that he’s presented legislation to make Juneteenth a state holiday, but it did not go anywhere. He said he will try again during the next legislative session.

Both men sat down with Nexstar’s Amanda Barren after their event to discuss the current state of the holiday on the eve of West Virginia’s birthday, which they say is a significant part of the conversation.