LANSING, Mich., Nov. 5, 2020 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5897, which would recognize Juneteenth as an allowable holiday for Michigan residents to use fireworks. State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit), who sponsored the bill, released the following statement:
“Juneteenth has not always received the recognition or respect it deserves. That is due in part to a lack of knowledge and understanding of its importance to our national history. It marks the end of chattel slavery in America and the birth of hope for a more inclusive and diverse We the People. In many ways, Juneteenth represents a moment in American history when we decided to live up to the lofty values in our founding documents, and it continues to serve as fuel for us today to continue that march toward progress.
“Allowing fireworks may seem like a small thing, but in truth, we have always passed down our histories through celebrations, and by including Juneteenth among the other important holidays in this act, we uplift it and all it represents in the collective mind of all Michiganders. Now more than ever, it is vital that we not only look forward to a better future but reflect on our past and learn from it. Juneteenth allows us to do both. This recognition is long overdue, and I hope my colleagues in the Senate will take action swiftly.”