Craig Hosts Juneteenth Celebration at Ohio Statehouse

Today, Senate Assistant Minority Leader Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) hosted a Juneteenth Celebration at the Ohio Statehouse to commemorate June as the beginning of the Month of Freedom.

“Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom,” said Craig. “It is also a reminder of the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of African Americans who endured and overcame the brutalities of slavery.”

Juneteenth celebrates the sacrifices and achievements of Black Americans and raises awareness about the history of slavery and the ongoing fight against inequality. Joined by the organizers of JuneteenthOhio, Craig spoke about the importance of remembering our history and unveiled a Juneteenth flag for the ceremony.

“By making Juneteenth a legal holiday, we have affirmed our dedication to inclusivity, diversity, and the acknowledgment of the significant contributions African Americans have made and continue to make to our society,” said Craig.

Senator Craig played a monumental role in the legislation that declared Juneteenth a paid state holiday in Ohio, one of at least 28 states that legally recognizes Juneteenth as a public holiday.