The "Juneteenth Freedom Day" is created. It shall be commemorated on the third Saturday in June of each year and be observed by:
A. reflecting on the history of African-American slavery in the United States; the experience of Africans brought to the United States in a five- to twelve-week journey across the Atlantic; the deaths of thousands of Africans who died in inhuman conditions of passage; the abuse of African-American slaves, including whipping, castration, branding and rape; the importance of the Thirteenth Amendment of the United States constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States and its territories; and the significance of June 19, 1865, the day on which the message of freedom and abolition reached the western states; and
B. recognizing the importance of Americans of African descent as American citizens and New Mexico residents.
History: Laws 2006, ch. 68, § 1.
Effective dates. — Laws 2006, ch. 68 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective May 17, 2006, 90 days after adjournment of the legislature.
Structure New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 12 - Miscellaneous Public Affairs Matters
Section 12-5-1 - [Arbor Day; establishment; observance.]
Section 12-5-2 - Legal holidays; designation.
Section 12-5-3 - Legal holidays; Sundays; effect on commercial paper.
Section 12-5-4 - [August 3rd designated Ernie Pyle Day.]
Section 12-5-6 - American History Month.
Section 12-5-9 - American Indian day.
Section 12-5-10 - [Guadalupe-Hidalgo treaty day.]
Section 12-5-12 - African-American day.
Section 12-5-13 - Hispanic culture day.
Section 12-5-14 - Juneteenth Freedom Day established.
Section 12-5-15 - Hemophilia Awareness Day.
Section 12-5-16 - Firefighter Day of Remembrance.
Section 12-5-17 - New Mexico Youth Day.