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1110 �a qj u i f u ; (0l305 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2O25 <br /> WHEREAS , Orange County has recognized Juneteenth as the moment when freedom finally <br /> reached all enslaved African Americans , marked by the arrival of Union troops in Galveston , <br /> Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — reminding us of the <br /> strength of those who , even in bondage , sowed the seeds of liberation and began reuniting <br /> their families in the aftermath of slavery ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the Board has reflected on Juneteenth as both a celebration and a solemn <br /> reminder of the long struggle for true freedom — recognizing that the end of slavery did not <br /> immediately bring justice , and that Black Americans have continuously led efforts to expand <br /> the meaning of democracy and belonging for all ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the 2025 Juneteenth celebration , themed "Where Freedom Gathers , We Rise , " <br /> builds on this legacy by uplifting the stories of Black families who persevered after <br /> emancipation and continue to shape our communities through generations of strength ; and <br /> WHEREAS , this year' s events honor the service and sacrifices of Black veterans who fought <br /> for freedom abroad while being denied it at home — demonstrating unwavering commitment <br /> to justice in the face of systemic exclusion ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Orange County affirms the essential role of youth in imagining and shaping a <br /> better future , and we commit to listening to their voices and supporting their leadership as <br /> builders of what' s next ; and <br /> WHEREAS , we are reminded by the words of Frederick Douglass : " It is easier to build strong <br /> children than to repair broken men , " — a call to nurture young people as an act of ongoing <br /> liberation ; and <br /> WHEREAS , the June 13 , 2025 Orange County Juneteenth celebration will offer opportunities <br /> to gather and learn together — creating space for connection , remembrance , and shared <br /> purpose ; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT PROCLAIMED , that we , the Orange County Board of <br /> Commissioners , honor Juneteenth as a living tradition — a reminder of how far we 've come , <br /> and a commitment to continue building a community rooted in truth , dignity , and repair. <br /> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that we proclaim Thursday , June 19 , 2025 as JUNETEENTH <br /> FREEDOM DAY in Orange County , North Carolina , and encourage all residents to take part <br /> in commemorating this historic day — by learning from the past , gathering in the present , and <br /> carrying the work of freedom forward . <br /> This , the 3rd day of June 2025 . ��� <br /> tz i � J ezett edford , Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />