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4 <br /> WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of <br /> slavery in the United States; and <br /> WHEREAS, in 1866, they held parades and barbecues and gave speeches in remembrance of <br /> their liberation. The oldest of the surviving formerly enslaved people were often given a place of <br /> honor and initially used these gatherings to attempt to locate family members from whom they <br /> had been separated, and soon these events became staging areas for family reunions and an <br /> opportunity to uplift each other as they moved through hostile environments; and <br /> WHEREAS, we recognize that there is still progress that must be made to dismantle the insidious <br /> systems and practices that continue to harm African Americans and deny them access to the <br /> rights and resources to which they are entitled, Juneteenth serves as a pivotal reminder of the <br /> resilience and courage of African Americans as they endured unimaginable hardship and <br /> injustices yet remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom and equality; and <br /> WHEREAS, the resilience and determination displayed by African Americans in the face of <br /> oppression serve as an enduring testament to the human spirit and the innate desire for liberty <br /> and dignity; and <br /> WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a celebration of liberation, unity, and hope, reminding us of the <br /> importance of acknowledging and confronting the painful truths of our past while embracing the <br /> promise of a more just and equitable future; and <br /> WHEREAS, Juneteenth serves as a powerful symbol of progress and resilience, inspiring us to <br /> continue the fight forjustice and equality for all and to honor the contributions and legacy of African <br /> Americans in shaping the fabric of our nation; and <br /> WHEREAS, by recognizing Juneteenth as a day of reflection, remembrance, and celebration, we <br /> reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every individual is valued, respected, and <br /> afforded the opportunity to thrive; and <br /> WHEREAS, the lessons of Juneteenth resonate deeply with people of all backgrounds reminding <br /> us of the enduring power of hope, perseverance, and solidarity in the face of adversity; <br /> NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, <br /> honor the significance of Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in our nation's history and reaffirm our <br /> commitment to upholding the values of freedom,justice, and equality for all. <br /> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we celebrate Juneteenth as a beacon of hope and inspiration <br /> and pledge to continue to journey toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable society. <br /> BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we proclaim June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth in Orange County <br /> and encourage all residents to join us in commemorating this historic occasion, reflecting on the <br /> lessons of the past and rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of a brighter future for generations <br /> to come. <br /> This, the 181h day of June 2024. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />