Juneteenth
WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice in the United States and is widely recognized as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the country; WHEREAS, in 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday, known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, affirming its significance in our national history and cultural identity;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievements, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures, and provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and renewed commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lake Elsinore values the diverse heritage and shared contributions of all its residents and recognizes the importance of honoring the historical significance of Juneteenth and joins communities across the nation in celebrating Juneteenth as a time of remembrance, reflection, and hope for a more just and equitable future.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of
Lake Elsinore, California, does hereby proclaim June
19, 2025 as “Juneteenth” in the City of Lake Elsinore
and encourages all residents to join in the
celebration, reflection, and education that this
important day represents.
Brian Tisdale, Mayor