Juneteenth to be observed as a state holiday for the first time

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — For the first time, Rhode Island is recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday.

As the holiday is just days away and receiving official state recognition, Juneteenth is already a well established and celebrated tradition in many African American communities.

Rhode Island President and Executive Director of Juneteenth Helen Baskerville-Dukes joined ABC6 news in studio to talk about what celebrating Juneteenth means.

There are a list of Juneteenth celebrations that will be happening throughout the month of June that you can check out on the Juneteenth RI Facebook page.