HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2026-027-Juneteenth Freedom Day Proclamation q.ct , coplaw
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2O26
WHEREAS , Orange County has recognized Juneteenth as the moment when freedom finally
reached all enslaved African Americans , marked by the arrival of Union troops in Galveston ,
Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — reminding us of the
strength of those who , even in bondage , sowed the seeds of liberation and began reuniting
their families in the aftermath of slavery ; and
WHEREAS , the Orange County Board of Commissioners has reflected on Juneteenth as
both a celebration and a solemn reminder of the long struggle for true freedom — recognizing
that the end of slavery did not immediately bring justice , and that Black Americans have
continuously led efforts to expand the meaning of democracy and belonging for all ; and
WHEREAS , the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration , themed " Juneteenth Brings Balance to
America ' s Celebration of Freedom , " connects to the America 250 celebrations going on
across the nation this summer , reminding us that honoring Juneteenth is honoring the true
legacy of the American struggle freedom ; and
WHEREAS , this year' s events honor the service and sacrifices of Black people brought to
this country against their will and waited for America to fulfill the promises laid out in the
Declaration of Independence by including Black people ; and
WHEREAS , we are reminded by the words of Barack Obama : " Juneteenth has never been
a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are . It' s a celebration of progress , "
— a call to continuing fighting forward as an act of ongoing liberation ; and
WHEREAS , the June 12 , 2026 Orange County Juneteenth celebration will offer opportunities
to gather and learn together — creating space for connection , remembrance , and shared
purpose ;
NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT PROCLAIMED , that we , the Orange County Board of
Commissioners , honor Juneteenth as a living tradition — a reminder of how far we ' ve come ,
and a commitment to continue building a community rooted in truth , dignity , and repair.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we proclaim Friday , June 19 , 2026 as JUNETEENTH
FREEDOM DAY in Orange County , and encourage all residents to take part in
commemorating this historic day — by learning from the past , gathering in the present , and
carrying the work of freedom forward .
This , the 2 "d day of June 2026 .
�Ao set
an Hamilton , Chair
17 5z Orange County Board of Commissioners
°rf� (gtttat�`�4