A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DECLARING JUNE 19th, 2022 A CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY.
WHEREAS, the State of California declared the third Saturday in an official holiday observed by thousands of African-Americans, known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day, also known as “Emancipation Day”; and WHEREAS, the holiday originated in Texas during the Civil War period, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln in September 1862, to become effective January 1, 1863, did not reach Texas slaves until June 19, 1865; and WHEREAS, on hearing the news, the slaves immediately left the plantation, congregated in the cities and began celebrating their freedom by praying, feasting, dancing and singing; and WHEREAS, 2022 marks the 157th Year Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; which also included freeing all men born on American soil; and WHEREAS, currently 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or ceremonial holiday, a day of observance; and WHEREAS, President Joe Biden has declared (June 19th) Juneteenth National Freedom Day as a federal holiday in the U.S.A. in 2021, making this year (2022) the 1st year Anniversary of the Federal bill being signed, and WHEREAS, Juneteenth National Freedom Day symbolizes freedom, celebrates the abolishment of slavery and reminds all Americans of the significant contributions of African-Americans to our society; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center, celebrates their 32nd Anniversary Pomona Valley Juneteenth Jazz and Arts Festival in Pomona, California on Saturday, June 18th, 2022 to promote and educate the public about the significance of this observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA does hereby proclaim June 19th 2022, “Celebration of Juneteenth National Freedom Day”
in Pomona and urges the citizens of Pomona to celebrate this day to honor and reflect on the significant roles that African-Americans have played in the history of the United States and how African-Americans have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting freedom, brotherhood and equality.