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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 6, 2023 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-d <br /> SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth 2023 <br /> DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners & <br /> County Manager - Office of <br /> Equity and Inclusion <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Jamezetta Bedford, Chair, BOCC, (919) <br /> 245-2130 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth 2023. <br /> BACKGROUND: On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the signing of the emancipation <br /> proclamation, Union Major General Gordon Granger went to Galveston, Texas to deliver the news <br /> to enslaved people that they were free. The first Juneteenth in 1866 in Texas was celebrated in <br /> Texas was a community event where people gathered together for prayer, food, song and dance. <br /> Since then, Texas families have emigrated to other parts of the United States and the historic and <br /> cultural tradition of Juneteenth has followed them. Today, Juneteenth is a holiday in at least 38 <br /> states. In 2007, the North Carolina enacted legislation that enables Juneteenth National Freedom <br /> Day to become a state holiday when it or a substantially similar holiday is nationally recognized. <br /> In 2020, Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough gave <br /> recognition to Juneteenth as holiday. <br /> Juneteenth, while a time of celebration, it is also a time of reflection. Ira Berlin, in his book, "The <br /> Long Emancipation: The Demise of Slavery in the United States" finds slavery did not just happen <br /> over the course of the Civil War but was "a near century process." Emancipation was not a gift <br /> bestowed upon Black Americans by Lincoln or the Republican Party; it was something Black <br /> Americans fought for from the time they came to this country enslaved more than 400 years ago <br /> until today. In fighting for their freedom, Black Americans have shaped what it means to be a <br /> citizen in this "imperfect" country we call home. Through judicial decisions and legislation, Black <br /> Americans have redefined the words, "[We] the people." <br /> There will be multiple community celebrations of Juneteenth by the towns, school systems, and <br /> community organizations. Juneteenth will be celebrated with Black community and cultural events <br /> through arts performances, history exhibits, music and activities. Staff recommends the <br />