HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2024-012-Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth 2024 Tvo xa 1 ® olj 'd
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 Cfedttrolled d layi on erae - con areas an ng 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
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 18t" day of June 2024 .
E �
'4,K Ja ezetta edford , ChdW
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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