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3 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2026 <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 Orange County Board of Commissioners has reflected on Juneteenth as <br /> both a celebration and a solemn reminder of the long struggle for true freedom — recognizing <br /> that the end of slavery did not immediately bring justice, and that Black Americans have <br /> continuously led efforts to expand the meaning of democracy and belonging for all; and <br /> WHEREAS, the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration, themed "Juneteenth Brings Balance to <br /> America's Celebration of Freedom," connects to the America 250 celebrations going on <br /> across the nation this summer, reminding us that honoring Juneteenth is honoring the true <br /> legacy of the American struggle freedom; and <br /> WHEREAS, this year's events honor the service and sacrifices of Black people brought to <br /> this country against their will and waited for America to fulfill the promises laid out in the <br /> Declaration of Independence by including Black people; and <br /> WHEREAS, we are reminded by the words of Barack Obama: "Juneteenth has never been <br /> a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It's a celebration of progress," <br /> — a call to continuing fighting forward as an act of ongoing liberation; and <br /> WHEREAS, the June 12, 2026 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 Friday, June 19, 2026 as JUNETEENTH <br /> FREEDOM DAY in Orange County, and encourage all residents to take part in <br /> commemorating this historic day — by learning from the past, gathering in the present, and <br /> carrying the work of freedom forward. <br /> This, the 2nd day of June 2026. <br /> Jean Hamilton, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />