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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 1, 2020 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 6-b <br /> SUBJECT: Resolution to Adopt Juneteenth as a County Holiday <br /> DEPARTMENT: Human Resources <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Commissioner Renee Price, (919) 245- <br /> Resolution Designating Juneteenth as an 2126 <br /> Official County Paid Holiday Brenda Bartholomew, Human Resources <br /> Governor's Proclamation Director, (919) 245-2552 <br /> Orange County Code of Ordinance Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager, <br /> Section 28-33. - Holidays and Holiday (919) 245-2300 <br /> Pay <br /> PURPOSE: To adopt Juneteenth as a paid holiday for Orange County Government thus <br /> providing an opportunity to cherish freedom, but also poignantly acknowledge the history of <br /> slavery in the country. <br /> BACKGROUND: Many people in the United States recognize Juneteenth as the holiday that <br /> celebrates Emancipation Day, the day in history when the last state ratified the Emancipation <br /> Proclamation. This date marks the time when African Americans in Texas received notice from <br /> President Abraham Lincoln that slavery had been abolished, a declaration that was codified in <br /> the 13t" Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America. June 19th also marks <br /> the day that African Americans in the southern states exercised independence from those who <br /> benefitted from their labors in the founding of this nation. <br /> The journey of African Americans represents both great achievements and great hardship, and <br /> the nation continues to witness the injustice of the African American journey. This injustice has <br /> existed far too long. This Juneteenth celebration weighs heavily on hearts and minds in the <br /> aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in 2020, and is a reminder of others who have not <br /> been treated equally under the law. <br /> The Governor of the State of North Carolina encourages people to observe Juneteenth as an <br /> opportunity to reflect, rejoice, and plan for a brighter future as society continues to address <br /> racial injustices. Juneteenth is not a federal holiday, but many states and the District of <br /> Columbia recognize it as a state or ceremonial holiday. <br />