HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 14838 (Juneteenth) Agenda Item No: 5.a
RESOLUTION NO. 14838
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL IN ANNUAL
COMMEMORATION AND PROCLAMATION OF 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 the 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 Marin County; 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
Agenda Item No: 5.a
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, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
RESOLVES, 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.
I, Lindsay Lara, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City
Agenda Item No: 5.a
Council of said City held on Monday, the 6th day of July 2020 by the following vote, to
wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Colin, Gamblin, McCullough & Mayor Phillips
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk