HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Proclamation - Recognition of Juneteenth - 6/15/2021)STA MESA, CALIFORNIA
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WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Emancipation Day,"
"Emancipation Celebration," and "Freedom Day," is the oldest African American holiday
observance in the United States; and
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,
1863, to free more than three million slaves in the Confederate states, but Texas was
considered a safe haven for slaveholders until federal troops arrived more than two years later
on June 19, 1865; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, California's legislature passed a resolution recognizing Juneteenth as a
day to honor and reflect on the significant contribution and advances made by African
Americans in our state, and to commemorate the strength and determination of African
Americans throughout their history; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride -filled day during which
we develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the African American experience; and
WHEREAS, honoring Juneteenth reflects our belief and commitment to liberty, equality and
justice: and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day to recognize and appreciate the achievements of African
Americans across the City, the state, and the nation in areas including education, law, medicine,
art, culture, public and military service, business, theology, athletics, and civil rights; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim
June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth in the City of Costa Mesa and urge all citizens to become more
aware of the significance of the celebration in African American history and in the heritage of our
nation and City.
DATED this fifteenth day of June 2021.
John B. ephens, Pfayor of City of Costa Mesa