City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
WHEREAS, racism and white supremacy have tainted the foundation of America, beginning with chattel slavery in 1619, and the denial of the humanity of those enslaved by the authors of the Declaration of Independence who declared, “all men are created equal,” while holding men and women of African descent in slavery; and
WHEREAS, African American/Black people continue to lack equitable and relevant evidence- based healthcare interventions and resources that would address the many health disparities contributing to having triple the maternal death rate of their white counterparts, regardless of their socio-economic level; and
WHEREAS, California high schools graduate Black students at lowe r rates than all other racial/ethnic groups and have failed to address the significantly lower percentages of Black students who are offered and complete the college preparatory curriculum; and
WHEREAS, workplace discrimination and racism continue to play a direct role in driving the persistent inequities that make Californians most likely to experience the devastation of unemployment, particularly among Black workers; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth recognizes June 19, 1865, as the day enslaved Africans learned of their freedom in the Southwestern States and allows for the celebration of the freeing of enslaved people, reflection on the condition of the lives of their descendants in the present day, and commitment to be anti-racist as the community works to end systemic racism.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria, hereby recognize June 19, 2024, as:
“JUNETEENTH”
in the City of Santa Maria, and encourage all residents to use this time to learn about the legacy of Black peoples, their contributions, and stand in alliance to end racism, bigotry, and hate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 18th day of June 2024.
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor