A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DECLARING JUNE 19, 2024 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; 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, 2024 marks the 162nd Year Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; which also included freeing all men born on American soil; and WHEREAS, currently all 50 states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or ceremonial holiday, a day of observance; 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 celebrated their 34th Anniversary Pomona Valley Juneteenth Jazz and Arts Festival in Pomona, California on Saturday, June 15, 2024 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 19, 2024, as “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.
Dated this 17th day of June, 2024