WHEREAS, each year June 19th commemorates the emancipation from slavery of those who had been slaves in the United States and is the oldest African American holiday observance in the nation;
WHEREAS, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the celebrated Emancipation Proclamation warning Confederate States that he would declare enslaved peoples “forever free”, paving the way for the passing of the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States of America;
WHEREAS, enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation occurred only in Confederate States that were under Union Army control, and Texas was last of the Confederate States to receive orders requiring the end of slavery;
WHEREAS, on June 19th, 1865, Union troops marched throughout Galveston reading to the people of Galveston that all slaves were free, and the formerly enslaved citizens in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year and have continued to present day;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an occasion to remember and reflect upon the struggle, over the past 158 years following emancipation, to advance equality and justice for African Americans;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day to honor and reflect on the significant ways that African Americans have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting freedom and equality; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean VanGordon, Mayor of the City of Springfield, hereby proclaim June 19, 2021 to be
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY
in recognition and celebration of the many ways in which the history and culture of African Americans, and the advancements, discoveries and achievements of African Americans, have contributed to the history, culture, and social fabric of the nation and of the City of Springfield.
Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon