Midway declares Juneteenth an official holiday

MIDWAY, Ky. (AP) — A small Kentucky city has decided to make Juneteenth an official holiday. The celebration commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and is held annually on June 19. The Courier Journal reports Midway Mayor Grayson Vandegrift signed an executive order Wednesday that recognizes the day, closes city hall and allows paid time off for city employees. Vandegrift said the move is a way to honor black residents in the city and to bring people together for more than just a conversation about equality. He says he hopes the action sets a precedent that spreads around the state.