HomeMy WebLinkAboutHR Juneteenth
City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
JUNETEENTH
June 19, 2025
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
acknowledge, reflect, and renew commitment to racial equity and social
justice; and
WHEREAS, The City of San Rafel 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
WHERAS, a 2025 theme of Juneteenth is “Together We Ride the Juneteenth: Wave
of Freedom to Liberty,” highlighting the collective effort and shared
journey towards freedom and liberty, emphasizing the importance of
unity and shared responsibility in achieving a more equitable society.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby proclaim June 19, 2025, 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