P R O C L A M A T I O N
JUNETEENTH DAY
WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Emancipation Day,” “Emancipation Celebration” and “Freedom Day,” is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States and has been celebrated by the Black Community for over 150 years; and WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring that “all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free," paving the way for the passing of the thirteenth amendment which formally abolished slavery in the United States of America; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed when General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, almost two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation; and WHEREAS, June 19 symbolizes freedom, celebrates the abolishment of slavery, reminds all Americans of the significant contributions of African Americans to our society, and is a time for reflection and rejoicing, assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrations are a tribute to those African Americans, then and now, who fought so long and worked so hard to make the dream of equality a reality; and WHEREAS, President Biden called upon Americans to recommit together to the work of equity, equality, and justice; and commit together to eradicate systemic racism that still undermines our founding ideals and collective prosperity; NOW THEREFORE, I, Jason Godeke, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim Juneteenth Day in the City of Fort Bragg and urge all residents to become more aware and continually educated on the significance of this celebration in Black History and in the heritage of our nation.
SIGNED this 8th day of June, 2026
_________________________________
JASON GODEKE, Mayor
ATTEST:
Diana Paoli, City Clerk
No. 28-2026