AGENDA ITEM 8.l
Proclamation in Recognition of
June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth
WHEREAS, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all persons held as enslaved within the Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free,” a transformative act that advanced the cause of human freedom in the United States of America; and WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and delivered General Order No. 3, informing the last enslaved people in the Confederacy of their freedom — more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed — marking one of the most profound moments in American history; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, is recognized as a day of liberation, resilience, and joy — a second Independence Day for the American people — honoring the enduring strength of African American communities who persevered through the horrors of slavery and emerged to shape the cultural, political, intellectual, and artistic fabric of this nation; and
WHEREAS, in June 2021, the United States Congress passed and President Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday, affirming the nation’s recognition of this date as a cornerstone of American history and identity; and
WHEREAS, recognizing Juneteenth is an opportunity not only for celebration but for education — to deepen our understanding of the history of slavery and its lasting legacies, to acknowledge the ongoing work required to dismantle systemic barriers, and to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of true equality and opportunity for every person in our community; and
WHEREAS, community unity is strengthened when we honor the full history of all our residents, center the voices and contributions of African American community members, and stand together in solidarity against discrimination and injustice in all its forms; and WHEREAS, the Town of Fairfax remains committed to advancing equitable policies, supporting inclusive programs, and partnering with community organizations to ensure that AGENDA ITEM 8.l
every resident — regardless of background — can thrive, participate fully in civic life, and experience the freedom and dignity that Juneteenth celebrates; and WHEREAS, we recognize that the promise of freedom, though proclaimed on June 19, 1865, remains a living, unfinished charge — one that calls each generation to renew its dedication to justice, to confront inequality with courage and compassion, and to build a community where freedom is not merely a declaration, but a lived reality for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Council and Mayor of the Town of Fairfax, California, that June 19, 2026 is hereby proclaimed
JUNETEENTH
in the Town of Fairfax; and we call upon all residents to join in observance, education, and celebration of this historic day — to honor the resilience and enduring contributions of African Americans, to reflect upon the continued work ahead, and to embrace our shared commitment to freedom, equity, and justice for every member of our community.
Signed on this 3rd day of June 2026
Stephanie Hellman
Mayor of Fairfax