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q.ct , coplaw <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2O26 <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 2 "d day of June 2026 . <br /> �Ao set <br /> an Hamilton , Chair <br /> 17 5z Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> °rf� (gtttat�`�4 <br />