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5 <br /> Paul Slack, Department of Civil Rights and Civic Life Director, introduced the item. <br /> Paul Slack and Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn: <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 strength <br /> of those who, even in bondage, sowed the seeds of liberation and began reuniting their families <br /> in the aftermath of slavery; and <br /> WHEREAS, the Board has reflected on Juneteenth as both a celebration and a solemn reminder <br /> of the long struggle for true freedom — recognizing that the end of slavery did not immediately <br /> bring justice, and that Black Americans have continuously led efforts to expand the meaning of <br /> 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 emancipation <br /> 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 for <br /> freedom abroad while being denied it at home—demonstrating unwavering commitment to justice <br /> in the face of systemic exclusion; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County affirms the essential role of youth in imagining and shaping a better <br /> future, and we commit to listening to their voices and supporting their leadership as builders of <br /> 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 to <br /> gather and learn together— creating space for connection, remembrance, and shared 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, and <br /> 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 in <br /> commemorating this historic day—by learning from the past, gathering in the present, and carrying <br /> the work of freedom forward. <br /> This, the 3rd day of June 2025. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />