Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a US federal holiday

Joe Biden after he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (AP/Evan Vucci)

US President Joe Biden has signed legislation establishing a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.

Mr Biden signed into law a bill to make Juneteenth, or June 19, the 12th federal holiday, saying he believes it will go down as one of the greatest honours he has as president.