Pennsylvania | House Bill 619 | Act 9 of 2019

Pennsylvania Juneteenth

A Personal History Behind House Bill 619 and Act 9 of 2019

Juneteenth commemorates the enforcement of emancipation in Texas on June 19, 1865, marking the end of slavery in the Confederacy.

This page preserves the story behind Pennsylvania's recognition of Juneteenth as a state holiday and the role the Lawson family played in helping make that achievement possible. Through years of advocacy, civic engagement, relationship-building, and public service, the family helped champion the effort that ultimately resulted in House Bill 619 and Act 9 of 2019.

In the interview below, Representative Sue Helm shares her firsthand account of the journey that led to Pennsylvania's recognition of Juneteenth, including the advocacy, leadership, and relationships that helped bring the legislation to the Governor's desk.

Act 9 of 2019 | Signing Ceremony

Featured Interview

Representative Sue Helm
Reflects on the Journey

In this recorded interview, Representative Sue Helm shares her firsthand account of her relationship with Stan Lawson, his sister Carolyn Mills (née Lawson), and the events that led to Pennsylvania's recognition of Juneteenth.

Representative Sue Helm | Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Photo Archive

A Day in Pennsylvania History

Representative Sue Helm speaks during the Juneteenth signing ceremony, with Stan Lawson standing behind her.

Stan Lawson and his son Richard Lawson, present for a historic moment in Pennsylvania.

Stan Lawson with Governor Tom Wolf following the enactment of Act 9 of 2019.

A proud moment following years of relationship-building, public service, and civic commitment.

Pennsylvania Juneteenth | Act 9 of 2019 | Personal Archive of the Lawson Family

Legacy

A Lasting Contribution to Pennsylvania

The Lawson family's connection to Juneteenth extended beyond Pennsylvania. In Iowa, Gary Lawson founded the Iowa Juneteenth Observance in 1990 and spent more than three decades promoting recognition of Juneteenth and preserving its history for future generations. Through years of advocacy by Gary Lawson and the Iowa Juneteenth Observance, Iowa officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday in 2002.

Stanley Lawson supported efforts to recognize Juneteenth in Pennsylvania for many years through his civic leadership, community relationships, and advocacy. His sister, Carolyn Mills (née Lawson), championed the effort and was among those who strongly advocated for Pennsylvania's recognition of Juneteenth.

Although Carolyn passed away in October 2018 before the legislation was signed into law, her efforts helped lay the foundation for its eventual passage. Pennsylvania officially recognized Juneteenth through Act 9 of 2019. At the time, Representative Sue Helm noted that while numerous states had adopted resolutions recognizing Juneteenth, Pennsylvania's enactment of Act 9 represented one of the earliest efforts to codify that recognition through state law. The achievement reflected years of advocacy by community leaders, legislators, and supporters who worked to advance recognition of Juneteenth throughout the Commonwealth.

Today, Pennsylvania's recognition of Juneteenth stands as a lasting contribution to the Commonwealth and an enduring part of the family's public-service legacy. In June 2026, Richard Lawson formed Pennsylvania Juneteenth Observance and two related Pennsylvania nonprofits to support future observances in Western and Central Pennsylvania. With donated organizational services from Apex Financial Management, this work continues the Lawson family’s commitment to keeping Juneteenth rooted in history, tradition, and legacy.