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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 18, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth 2024 <br /> DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity & Inclusion <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Courtney E. McLaughlin, Interim <br /> Director, (919) 245-2980 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth 2024. <br /> BACKGROUND: On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the signing of the emancipation <br /> proclamation, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger went to Galveston, Texas, to deliver the news to <br /> enslaved people that they were free. The first Juneteenth in 1866 in Texas was celebrated as a <br /> community event where people gathered for prayer, food, song, and dance. Since then, Texas <br /> families have emigrated to other parts of the United States, and Juneteenth's historic and cultural <br /> traditions have followed them. In 2007, North Carolina enacted legislation that enables Juneteenth <br /> National Freedom Day to become a state holiday when it or a substantially similar holiday is <br /> nationally recognized. In 2020, Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and <br /> Hillsborough recognized Juneteenth as a holiday. Today, Juneteenth is a federal holiday <br /> recognized in all 50 states. <br /> Juneteenth, while a time of celebration, is also a time of reflection. Ira Berlin, in his book, "The <br /> Long Emancipation: The Demise of Slavery in the United States," finds the ending of slavery did <br /> not just happen throughout the Civil War but was "a near century process." Emancipation was not <br /> a gift 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 through community and cultural events <br /> throughout Orange County, including art performances, history exhibits, music, and activities. <br /> Orange County staff recommends the community attend these events to learn more about <br /> Juneteenth and the contributions of Black Americans to the community. <br />