Agenda - 09-01-20; 6-b - Resolution to Adopt Juneteenth as a County Holiday

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