Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear named Juneteenth an executive branch holiday at this afternoon’s Team Kentucky Update. Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge/Executive joined the Governor in signing an executive order making the holiday officially recognized at the county level.
“We all know the history of Juneteenth,” Judge Mueller stated. “We cannot ignore our past, to do so would encourage ignorance. Instead, we must educate ourselves and our community. But Juneteenth not only marks a day of independence for African Americans, it’s also a time where we recognize the contributions and leaders from our Black communities and stand with them on this day. Today, I will be signing an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday for Franklin County, and I am proud to do that.”
Also, Governor Beshear signed a separate executive order that expands protections in state hiring and employment by prohibiting discrimination based on “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to natural hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locs and twists.”
