PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING JUNE 19, 2026 AS JUNETEENTH
IN THE CITY OF HERCULES
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed by President Biden establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States; is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day; and Juneteenth Independence Day; and WHEREAS, freedom from slavery was granted through the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863, by President Lincoln, it took another 2 ½ years and military intervention by General Gordon Granger and Union troops to arrive to Galveston, Texas, the farthest of the Confederate states, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, whereby releasing the last 250,000 slaves from bondage; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates freedom and the abolishment of slavery; reminds the nation to reflect on the grievous and ongoing legacy of slavery; and to rededicate ourselves to rooting out systematic racism that continues to plague our society as we strive for freedom and equality for all; and WHEREAS, as we celebrate Juneteenth, let us recommit ourselves to the work of equity, equality and justice; and ensure that the events of 1865 are not forgotten.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Chris Kelley, Mayor of the City of Hercules, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby recognize June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth, in the City of Hercules. I encourage all citizens to learn more about the history and impact of slavery and the significance of Juneteenth, attend Juneteenth celebrations, uplift Black-owned businesses, and support the ongoing social change efforts that promote unity, equality, racial and social justice.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Hercules to be affixed this 9th day of June 2026. ________________________________
Chris Kelley, Mayor