A Florida lawmaker wants to see Juneteenth (June 19th) designated as a state holiday and Senate Bill 4-90 could make it official.
But while June 19th is recognized by many as the day slaves were emancipated nationally, residents speaking during public comments pointed to May 20 as the day it happened in Florida.
Bill sponsor Randolph Bracy says 46 other states recognize Juneteenth and that May 20th would still be acknowledged as Emancipation Day in Florida.
Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness says it's about time and thinks people would be more aware of the day's significance if it was a day off. He adds we need to recognize the sacrifices those people made in building our nation.
A Senate committee voted in favor of moving the bill forward Wednesday.