City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
JUNETEENTH
June 19, 2026
WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” commemorates June 19, 1865—the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and by Executive Order enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, thus ensuring freedom for the last remaining enslaved people in the United States; and WHEREAS, First celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1866, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and was established as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, with the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth has grown into a powerful national celebration of African American culture, heritage, and achievement, and serves as a time of acknowledgment, reflection, and renewed commitment to racial equity and social justice; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael acknowledges the individual and collective trauma inflicted upon enslaved persons and the inherited trauma of their descendants and families; we remember and honor their resilience and strength to continue to move forward against adversity; and WHEREAS, the observance of Juneteenth provides an opportunity for education, reflection, and community engagement to better understand our shared history and work collectively toward a more just and equitable future; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive community where diversity is celebrated, and all residents feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in civic life.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael hereby proclaim June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth, as an official holiday for the City of San Rafael in observance of the emancipation of enslaved persons in the United States, and the City reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the civil rights, safety, and dignity of all its residents.
Kate Colin
Mayor