Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
5 <br /> 1 Paul Slack, Department of Civil Rights and Civic Life Director, introduced the item. <br /> 2 Paul Slack and Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn: <br /> 3 <br /> 4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 5 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2O25 <br /> 6 <br /> 7 WHEREAS, Orange County has recognized Juneteenth as the moment when freedom finally <br /> 8 reached all enslaved African Americans, marked by the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, <br /> 9 Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — reminding us of the strength <br /> 10 of those who, even in bondage, sowed the seeds of liberation and began reuniting their families <br /> 11 in the aftermath of slavery; and <br /> 12 <br /> 13 WHEREAS, the Board has reflected on Juneteenth as both a celebration and a solemn reminder <br /> 14 of the long struggle for true freedom — recognizing that the end of slavery did not immediately <br /> 15 bring justice, and that Black Americans have continuously led efforts to expand the meaning of <br /> 16 democracy and belonging for all; and <br /> 17 <br /> 18 WHEREAS, the 2025 Juneteenth celebration, themed "Where Freedom Gathers, We Rise," <br /> 19 builds on this legacy by uplifting the stories of Black families who persevered after emancipation <br /> 20 and continue to shape our communities through generations of strength; and <br /> 21 <br /> 22 WHEREAS, this year's events honor the service and sacrifices of Black veterans who fought for <br /> 23 freedom abroad while being denied it at home—demonstrating unwavering commitment to justice <br /> 24 in the face of systemic exclusion; and <br /> 25 <br /> 26 WHEREAS, Orange County affirms the essential role of youth in imagining and shaping a better <br /> 27 future, and we commit to listening to their voices and supporting their leadership as builders of <br /> 28 what's next; and <br /> 29 <br /> 30 WHEREAS, we are reminded by the words of Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong <br /> 31 children than to repair broken men," — a call to nurture young people as an act of ongoing <br /> 32 liberation; and <br /> 33 <br /> 34 WHEREAS, the June 13, 2025 Orange County Juneteenth celebration will offer opportunities to <br /> 35 gather and learn together—creating space for connection, remembrance, and shared purpose; <br /> 36 <br /> 37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that we, the Orange County Board of <br /> 38 Commissioners, honor Juneteenth as a living tradition — a reminder of how far we've come, and <br /> 39 a commitment to continue building a community rooted in truth, dignity, and repair. <br /> 40 <br /> 41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we proclaim Thursday, June 19, 2025 as JUNETEENTH <br /> 42 FREEDOM DAY in Orange County, North Carolina, and encourage all residents to take part in <br /> 43 commemorating this historic day—by learning from the past, gathering in the present, and carrying <br /> 44 the work of freedom forward. <br /> 45 <br /> 46 This, the 3rd day of June 2025. <br /> 47 <br /> 48 <br /> 49 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> 50 Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> 51 <br />