Even though Juneteenth is a recognized federal holiday, efforts to make it an official state holiday in Oklahoma are still underway.
State Senator Nikki Nice is leading the charge, emphasizing Oklahoma’s direct historical connection to Juneteenth. “It was based on those 1866 treaties signed at the Battle of Honey Springs in Oklahoma,” Nice explained, referring to agreements that granted freedom to those enslaved by Native tribes—a lesser-known but vital part of the Juneteenth story.
While many associate Juneteenth with June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger declared freedom for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, Nice says the story continues—and ends—in Oklahoma. “Oklahomans should be claiming the story of Juneteenth,” she said.
In June 2020, Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledged Juneteenth’s significance, highlighting Oklahoma’s spirit of unity. However, Nice noted the contrast with recent political movements aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and workplaces.
Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021, but Nice urges residents to contact their state lawmakers to make it a recognized state holiday in Oklahoma as well.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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