CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
Podiamation
WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Emancipation Day," "Emancipation Celebration," and "Freedom Day," is the oldest African American holiday observance in the United States; and WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, to free more than three million enslaved people in the Confederate states, but Texas was considered a safe haven for slaveholders until federal troops arrived more than two years later on June 19, 1865; and WHEREAS, historically, Juneteenth observances have not always received acknowledgment and recognition, though Juneteenth is a critical component of American history as it marks a turning point in our nation and a step towards equality; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, California's legislature passed a resolution recognizing Juneteenth as a day to honor and reflect on the significant contribution and advances made by African Americans in our state, to commemorate the strength and determination of African Americans throughout their history; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an opportunity to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today and a time to honor and pay respect for the sufferings of slavery; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day during which we develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the African American experience; and
WHEREAS, only through collectively striving may we close gaps of the immeasurable distance between us and affirm the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day to recognize and appreciate the achievements of African Americans across the City, the state, and the nation in areas
CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
- Proctamation
including education, law, medicine, art, culture, public and military service, business, theology, athletics, and civil rights; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa strives to be a community that offers equal opportunity to its citizens, all of whom deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination; and WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa supports and encourages the unified understanding of one another's experiences in our place of work and throughout the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth in the City of Costa Mesa and urge all citizens to become more aware of the significance of the celebration in African American history and the heritage of our nation and City.
DATED this 7th day of June 2022.
John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa