PROCLAMATION
of the
CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO
DECLARING JUNE 19, 2023, AS JUNETEENTH NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY WHEREAS, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, officially ending slavery, changing the status of more than 3.5 million enslaved African Americans in the Confederate States of America; and WHEREAS, the news of General Lee's surrender moved slowly, and reached Texas on June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger and his troops traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free;" and
WHEREAS, in remembrance and celebration of the June 19,1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery we celebrate "Juneteenth," also known as "Emancipation Day" or "Freedom Day" as the true anniversary and oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth observes an important milestone in the East Palo Alto's long march towards equality; a reminder of the great contributions African Americans have made as free citizens of our nation, as well as the injustices they suffered as slaves and the descendants thereof; and the courage of our forebears of all races and creeds who gave their lives to the fight against slavery and inequality; and WHEREAS, throughout history there has been civil uprising due to continued systematic injustices on African Americans and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement along with support to BIPOC persons, we must stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for justice and human rights; and acknowledge that the struggle for equality continues.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF EAST PALO ALTO HEREBY proclaim June 19, 2023, as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" and encourage the community to unite in solidarity and continue to fight for justice.
Date: June 6, 2023
OREAS PALO
Lisa Gauthier, Mayor
INCORPORATED