Draft Proclamation
City of SantaClara
WHEREAS, on June 19 , 1865, more than two years after President A braham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Texas finally received the news they were free from bondage; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of Black Americans from slavery in the U nited States, and is the oldest-known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth provides an opportunity recognize, center, and celebrate those who suffered and fought against the institution of slavery, and those who have continued to fight for equity in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates Black American freedom and celebrates the successes gained through education and greater opportunity; on a larger scale, celebration of Juneteenth reminds each of us of the precious promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity which are at the core of the American Dream; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clara recognizes the profound importance of Juneteenth and its enduring legacy; J uneteenth represents liberation, resilience , and the pursuit of equality, reflecting the power and resi lience of Black American s throughout Unite d States history.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA M. GILLMOR, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the Santa Clara City Council, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2024, as
Juneteenth
in the City of Santa Clara, and call upon members of the Santa Clara community to work together to strive toward racial justic e and bringing an end to racism and racial injustices in the commu nity.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Santa Clara, California, this 4th day of June 2024.
LISA M. GILLMOR
MAYOR
City of Santa Clara
Proclamation