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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda - 06-18-2024; 4-a - Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth 2024 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 18, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 4-a SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth 2024 DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity & Inclusion ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proclamation Courtney E. McLaughlin, Interim Director, (919) 245-2980 PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth 2024. BACKGROUND: On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the signing of the emancipation proclamation, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger went to Galveston, Texas, to deliver the news to enslaved people that they were free. The first Juneteenth in 1866 in Texas was celebrated as a community event where people gathered for prayer, food, song, and dance. Since then, Texas families have emigrated to other parts of the United States, and Juneteenth's historic and cultural traditions have followed them. In 2007, North Carolina enacted legislation that enables Juneteenth National Freedom Day to become a state holiday when it or a substantially similar holiday is nationally recognized. In 2020, Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough recognized Juneteenth as a holiday. Today, Juneteenth is a federal holiday recognized in all 50 states. Juneteenth, while a time of celebration, is also a time of reflection. Ira Berlin, in his book, "The Long Emancipation: The Demise of Slavery in the United States," finds the ending of slavery did not just happen throughout the Civil War but was "a near century process." Emancipation was not a gift bestowed upon Black Americans by Lincoln or the Republican Party; it was something Black Americans fought for from the time they came to this country, enslaved more than 400 years ago until today. In fighting for their freedom, Black Americans have shaped what it means to be a citizen in this "imperfect" country we call home. Through judicial decisions and legislation, Black Americans have redefined the words "[We] the people." There will be multiple community celebrations of Juneteenth by the towns, school systems, and community organizations. Juneteenth will be celebrated through community and cultural events throughout Orange County, including art performances, history exhibits, music, and activities. Orange County staff recommends the community attend these events to learn more about Juneteenth and the contributions of Black Americans to the community. 2 The attached proclamation regarding Juneteenth echoes many of the declarations and sentiments expressed by the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Elected Officials group in their statement commemorating Juneteenth. It thereby affirms the Board's support for this nationwide holiday. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this proclamation. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal applies to this item: • FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUALITY 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; or familial, residential, or economic status ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign. 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2O24 WHEREAS, Juneteenth, observed on June 19, is a day of historical significance, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas in 1865, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863; and WHEREAS, the Emancipation Proclamation marked a critical milestone in the fight for freedom, declaring the end of slavery in Confederate-controlled areas and laying the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery nationwide with the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution; and WHEREAS, despite the formal abolition of slavery, the journey to complete emancipation has been fraught with challenges due to those who wished to continue the practice of holding human beings as property; and WHEREAS, although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865 — Juneteenth — when U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, announcing the end to the war and the captivity of those who had been enslaved, that the news reached all enslaved African Americans; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States; and WHEREAS, in 1866, they held parades and barbecues and gave speeches in remembrance of their liberation. The oldest of the surviving formerly enslaved people were often given a place of honor and initially used these gatherings to attempt to locate family members from whom they had been separated, and soon these events became staging areas for family reunions and an opportunity to uplift each other as they moved through hostile environments; and WHEREAS, we recognize that there is still progress that must be made to dismantle the insidious systems and practices that continue to harm African Americans and deny them access to the rights and resources to which they are entitled, Juneteenth serves as a pivotal reminder of the resilience and courage of African Americans as they endured unimaginable hardship and injustices yet remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom and equality; and WHEREAS, the resilience and determination displayed by African Americans in the face of oppression serve as an enduring testament to the human spirit and the innate desire for liberty and dignity; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a celebration of liberation, unity, and hope, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the painful truths of our past while embracing the promise of a more just and equitable future; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth serves as a powerful symbol of progress and resilience, inspiring us to continue the fight for justice and equality for all and to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans in shaping the fabric of our nation; and 4 WHEREAS, by recognizing Juneteenth as a day of reflection, remembrance, and celebration, we reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every individual is valued, respected, and afforded the opportunity to thrive; and WHEREAS, the lessons of Juneteenth resonate deeply with people of all backgrounds reminding us of the enduring power of hope, perseverance, and solidarity in the face of adversity; NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, honor the significance of Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in our nation's history and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of freedom, justice, and equality for all. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we celebrate Juneteenth as a beacon of hope and inspiration and pledge to continue to journey toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable society. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we proclaim June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth in Orange County and encourage all residents to join us in commemorating this historic occasion, reflecting on the lessons of the past and rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of a brighter future for generations to come. This, the 18th day of June 2024. Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners