In a bill signing ceremony conducted via Instagram, Governor Murphy signed legislation designating the third Friday in June – Juneteenth –  as a state holiday.

Watch here.

Assembly sponsors Reynolds-Jackson, Holley, and Wimberly said ‘Juneteenth was a defining moment in American History claiming the beginning of African American independence in this country. It is time for the commemoration of a pivotal moment in history to become an official state holiday, underscoring its importance to our communities and giving time for reflection on how far we have come and have to go to achieve equality and justice for all.’