Proclamation
Of The City of San Jacinto
Valerie Vandver, Mayor
Clarisa Sanchez, Councilmember Phil Ayala, Councilmember Juneteenth Proclamation
WHEREAS, the City of San Jacinto recognizes the historic importance and significance of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the United States on June 19, 1865; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery in the United States, following President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior.
WHEREAS, on January 16, 1865, General William T. Sherman issued Special Field Order 15, redistributing 400,000 acres of Confederate land to Black families in 40-acre plots. By June, 40,000 freed slaves out of 4 million had received land, a decision later overturned by President Andrew Johnson; and,
WHEREAS, the first black regiments to serve in the Civil War were volunteer units made up of free black men, which included the 1st North Carolina Colored Volunteers, 5th Massachusetts (Cavalry), 54th Massachusetts (Infantry), 55th Massachusetts (Infantry), 29th Connecticut (Infantry), 30th Connecticut (Infantry), and 31st Infantry Regiment. On May 22, 1863, the War Department established the Bureau of Colored Troops to recruit African American soldiers.
WHEREAS, the California State Assembly has established a task force to study and develop reparation proposals for descendants of chattel slavery, reaffirming the state's commitment to addressing systemic racism, promoting equity and justice for all descendants, and drawing attention to the lasting impacts of racial disparities stemming from the legacy of slavery; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth acknowledges the unique contributions, struggles, and resilience of African Americans, including the American Freedmen and descendants of Chattel Slavery, in shaping the history and culture of the United States. Reflecting on its history and the quest for freedom and equality, we honor the sacrifices, strength, and perseverance of those who have championed civil rights and social justice; and
WHEREAS, the observance of Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the strides made in the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all while acknowledging the work yet to be done to achieve accurate racial equity.
NOW THEREFORE, the City of San Jacinto does hereby proclaim June 19th as Juneteenth Day in the City of San Jacinto. Let us come together as a community to celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity, and hope that Juneteenth represents and recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of justice and inclusivity for all.
Alonso Ledezma, Mayor Pro Tem Crystal Ruiz, Councilmember