'African American history is American history': Black Ohio lawmakers commemorate Juneteenth
On Wednesday, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus commemorated Juneteenth by promoting several bills meant to recognize the achievements of Black Ohioans and erase disparities Black Ohioans face.
"This isn't about just 'Black folks want these things,'" said Rep. Catherine Ingram, D-Cincinnati. "This is about our historical position that says that Black folks have been important to this country for a very long time, and we have to acknowledge that."
Legislators noted the US Senate unanimously voted to make Juneteenth, June 19, a national holiday and called on Ohio to follow their example. A bipartisan bill to designate Juneteenth a state holiday passed the Ohio Senate last year but not the House. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.
The caucus also emphasized the importance of including Black history in conversations about American history and celebrating the contributions Black people have made.
"We have heard, from our colleagues, bills to eliminate those conversations, and to keep us from sharing the truth," said House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes, D-Akron.
Ohio Republicans have introduced several bills aiming to ban the teaching of critical race theory in Ohio schools from grades K-12.
"African American history is American history," said Sen. Hearcel Craig, D-Columbus.
The caucus promoted several bills, none of which have reached a floor vote:
- Senate Bill 78 - Make Juneteenth a paid state holiday
- House Bill 69 - Increase minimum wage to $15
- House Bill 238 - Designate July 28th as "Buffalo Soldiers Day" to recognize the Black Army Regiments of the Civil War (known as "Buffalo Soldiers")
- House Bill 294 - Prevent rollback of voting rights
- Senate Joint Resolution 1 - Remove exception to slavery out of the Ohio Constitution