Two years after Juneteenth became a federal holiday, the state of Michigan has moved one step closer to recognizing the annual day of celebration as a full-fledged state holiday.

SEE ALSO:  Tragedy Strikes Flint's Juneteenth Celebration

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated each year on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers declared freedom for enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas. The news came two months after the Confederacy surrendered and about two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed people who were slaves here in the United States.

Juneteenth is Already a State Holiday, Sort of

In 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court established Juneteenth as an official court holiday. That means the Michigan court system and its employees observe June 19 as an official holiday but those in the private sector are not affected.

One Step Closer to Becoming an Official State Holiday

On Wednesday (5/17), the Michigan state senate approved legislation to make Juneteenth an official holiday in the state.

State Senator Sylvia Santana led the charge to get the state senate to pass the bill. She tells The Advance that the bill is a major milestone for our state.

“I have been working on this issue throughout my time in the Senate," Santana said. "I am honored to carry on the great work of my legislative predecessors and am so proud to see this bill pass the full Senate — and nearly unanimously.”

 

Further Approval Needed

The bill to make Juneteenth an official state holiday now heads to the State House for approval.

Detroit Pistons Forward Marvin Bagley's $4 Million Home

This sprawling mansion which is owned by Detroit Pistons forward Marvin Bagley III is an absolute beauty.

It's located about a half hour from where Bagley grew up, and features five bedrooms, seven glorious bathrooms, and lots of extras.

Seven Michigan Towns on 'America's Safest Cities' List

There are a lot of advantages to living in a small town. Ofthen, they're close-knit communitites where everyone seems to know just about everyone and they often boast of low crime rates.

Seven Michigan Townships made the list of 'America's Top 100 Safest Cities' and we're proud to say that two of them are right here in the immediate area.

The information was compiled by SafeWise, using the latest FBI crime data on violent crimes and property crimes.

While you're at it, check out the 25 safest places to live in Michigan.

Dangerous Documentaries: Check Out These Binge-Worthy Shows That Focus on Michigan Murderers

Looking for something to binge? We've assembled a list of 15 documentaries that focus on some of Michigan's worst human beings - Murderers.

Even Michigan's beautiful north is safe from crime, as two of the cases spotlight cases from the Upper Peninsula.

Three women, including one from Flint make the list, along with two former police officers.

Some of the videos below are also available on Peacock and Hulu.