HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03 2021 Juneteenth Independence Day ProclamationJune 19, 2021 Is Juneteenth Independence Day Proclamation
WHEREAS, each year June 19th commemorates the emancipation from slavery of those who had been
slaves in the United States and is the oldest African American holiday observance in the nation;
WHEREAS, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the celebrated Emancipation
Proclamation warning Confederate States that he would declare enslaved peoples “forever free”, paving
the way for the passing of the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States of
America;
WHEREAS, enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation occurred only in Confederate States that
were under Union Army control, and Texas was last of the Confederate States to receive orders requiring
the end of slavery;
WHEREAS, on June 19th, 1865, Union troops marched throughout Galveston reading to the people of
Galveston that all slaves were free, and the formerly enslaved citizens in Galveston rejoiced in the streets
with jubilant celebrations;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year and have continued to present
day;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an occasion to remember and reflect upon the struggle, over the past 158 years
following emancipation, to advance equality and justice for African Americans;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day to honor and reflect on the significant ways that African Americans
have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting freedom and equality; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging
continuous self-development and respect for all cultures,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean VanGordon, Mayor of the City of Springfield, hereby proclaim June 19,
2021 to be
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY
in recognition and celebration of the many ways in which the history and culture of African Americans,
and the advancements, discoveries and achievements of African Americans, have contributed
to the history, culture, and social fabric of the nation and of the City of Springfield.
_________________________________
Sean VanGordon
Mayor