HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-17 - Juneteenth HolidayRESOLUTION NO. 2023-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA,
CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING AND DECLARING JUNE 19 OF EACH YEAR AS A
PAID HOLIDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA HEREBY
FINDS, DETERMINES, AND DECLARES AS FOLLOWS:
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 enslaved people 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, historically, Juneteenth observances have not always received
acknowledgement and recognition, though Juneteenth is a critical component of
American history as it marks a turning point in our nation and a step towards equality; 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, to commemorate the strength and determination
of African Americans throughout their history; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an opportunity to truthfully acknowledge a period in our
history that shaped and continues to influence our society today and time to honor and
pay respect for the sufferings of slavery; 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, only through collectively striving may we close gaps of the
immeasurable distance between us and affirm the promise of the Declaration of
Independence that all people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;
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,
Resolution No. 2023-17 Page 1 of 3
law, medicine, art, culture, public and military service, business, theology, athletics, and
civil rights; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa strives to be a community that offers equal
opportunity to its citizens, all of whom deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from
fear and violence, and protected against discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa supports and encourages the unified
understanding of one another's experiences in our place of work and throughout the
community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Costa
Mesa that it recognizes and declares June 19 of each year as a paid holiday in
observance of Juneteenth.
Resolution No. 2023-17 Page 2 of 3
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of April, 2023.
ATTEST:
/ 0 A. *v-,,
renda Green City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss
CITY OF COSTA MESA )
Jo ens, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Kitnberly F1611 Barlow, City Attorney
I, BRENDA GREEN, City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa, DO HEREBY CERTIFY
that the above and foregoing is the original of Resolution No. 2023-17 and was duly
passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa at a regular meeting
held on the 4th day of April, 2023, by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: CHAVEZ, GAMEROS, MARR, REYNOLDS, HARLAN,
AND STEPHENS.
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: HARPER.
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereby set my hand and affixed the seal of the
City of Costa Mesa this 5th day of April, 2023.
amck Or,")
Brenda Green, ity Clerk
Resolution No. 2023-17 Page 3 of 3