HomeMy WebLinkAboutPresentation of Juneteenth ProclamationCity of San Rafael
Proclamation Commemorating
Juneteenth
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in
the United States; and
WHEREAS, from its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African
American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond, and today
Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and
achievement; and
WHEREAS, it is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, speakers, picnics,
and family gatherings. It is also a time for reflection and rejoicing; a time for assessment,
self-improvement and for planning the future; and
WHEREAS, we find ourselves in a critical moment of reckoning as it pertains to the lives, liberties, and
dreams of African American families locally, nationally, and globally. We understand this
moment to be one where we must invest in, support, and respect African American lives;
and
WHEREAS, in cities across the country people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands
to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that has shaped and continues to
influence the current state of our nation and society; and
WHEREAS, the Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery greatly influenced migration patterns
across the United States and shaped the culture of the Bay Area and Marin County, adding
great depth, vibrancy, and value to this diverse region and the State of California; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that this vibrancy, depth, and value has often been marginalized and
underserved, and that we utilize this moment to commit to the implementation and
valuation of racial equity in the City of San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, in the tradition of Juneteenth, we honor the experience of those who came before us and
acknowledge the importance of bearing witness to the sacrifices of our ancestors and
elders; and
WHEREAS, while Juneteenth was widely celebrated following the Civil War, it experienced decline
and repression in the 20th century until the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, and we
support it in the spirit of civil rights for ourselves and for all; and
WHEREAS, the promise of Juneteenth remains elusive for African Americans as seen most recently in
the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland and countless
others; and
WHEREAS, we honor the memory of enslaved persons, freemen, passengers and supporters of the
Underground Railroad and all those who have tirelessly pursued freedom and self-
determination; and
WHEREAS, we call to mind those who continue to suffer in various forms of slavery across the globe
even today and reject the tyranny and inhumanity of such bondage; and
WHEREAS, we affirm that when people are sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only
then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society; and
WHEREAS, we call upon the people of the City of San Rafael to eliminate prejudice, and to celebrate
the great diversity of the American people and the extraordinary contributions of African
Americans; to look upon the current state of our nation as an opportunity for change that
brings about racial equity through the work of radical imagination, intention, purpose, and
continued work towards the eradication of prejudice, racism, and injustice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that every June 19th is recognized annually in the City of San Rafael as a
celebration of the emancipation of enslaved persons in the United States and the City reaffirms its commitment to
safeguard the civil rights, safety, and dignity of African Americans.
___________________________________
Kate Colin
Mayor
