HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-04-2017 - 4-c - Proclamation Recognizing December 6, 2017 as Abolition Day 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 4, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-c
SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing December 6, 2017 as Abolition Day
DEPARTMENT: BOCC
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Donna Baker, Clerk to the Orange
County Board of Commissioners, 919-
245-2130
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing December 6, 2017 as Abolition Day in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: On the sixth day of December, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United
States Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery in the entire United States.
This historic piece of legislation occurred almost three years after President Abraham Lincoln
signed the Emancipation Proclamation which freed only those people held in slavery in the
rebelling states.
The 13th Amendment marked the beginning of attempts to provide protections and liberties to
formerly enslaved persons, primarily the sons and daughters of Africa as well as Indigenous
Peoples.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the Proclamation Recognizing December 6, 2017 as Abolition Day in Orange
County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING DECEMBER 6, 2017 AS
ABOLITION DAY
WHEREAS, on the sixth day of December, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United States
Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery in the entire United States; and
WHEREAS, this historic piece of legislation occurred almost three years after President Abraham
Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which freed only those people held in
slavery in the rebelling states; and
WHEREAS, Amendment XIII. Section 1 of the United States Constitution reads: "Neither slavery
nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall
have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to
their jurisdiction"; and
WHEREAS, the 13th Amendment marked the beginning of attempts to provide protections and
liberties to formerly enslaved persons, primarily the sons and daughters of Africa as
well as Indigenous Peoples; and
WHEREAS, the journey to freedom has been and continues to be a protracted and arduous journey
whereupon women, men and children have endured violence and pain; and
WHEREAS, despite the advancements made throughout the past 152 years toward liberation and
equity, people still are fighting against policies and practices intended to
disenfranchise them and divest them of their humanity, citizenship and dignity; and
WHEREAS, historically marginalized and oppressed people nevertheless remain encouraged and
emboldened by the spirit of their ancestors to continue the march for the full measure
of freedom that they believe they shall achieve one day;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim that
December 6, 2017 shall be recognized as ABOLITION DAY throughout the County,
and urge all residents to support and engage in the ongoing struggle to ensure freedom
and justice for all of humanity...locally, nationally and globally.
This the 4 ' day of December 2017.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners