HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 19, 2024 JuneteenthCOLUMBIA CH HEIGHTS
PROCLAMATION
Juneteenth Freedom Day: June 19, 2024
WHEREAS, In August 1619, 20-30 enslaved Africans arrived at Point Comfort, Virginia,
marking the beginning of slavery in the present-day United States; and
WHEREAS, On July 4,1776, the Declaration of Independence affirmed the principle
that all men are created equal; and
WHEREAS, On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation
Proclamation, freeing millions of enslaved people, although enforcement was
inconsistent; and
WHEREAS, In Texas, slavery persisted due to the lack of Union troops, and enslavers
viewed it as a refuge for slavery; and
WHEREAS, On June 19,1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, declaring
all enslaved people in the state free, a day now known as Juneteenth; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth encourages reflection on our history and celebrates the
contributions of African Americans, while highlighting the need to address systemic
racism and ensure equal protection and dignity for all; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota law recognizes the third Saturday of June as Juneteenth, and
June 19 is celebrated as Juneteenth Freedom Day, now a paid holiday for most state
employees; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth marks our country's second Independence Day, celebrating
freedom and justice, and calls us to commit to equity, equality, and justice.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Amdda Mdrquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, do
hereby proclaim Thursday, June 19, 2024, as: **JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY** in the
city of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A.
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LA adMayor
June 10, 2024