HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-18 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a.
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CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 18, 2019
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Juneteenth National Freedom Day Proclamation
j City ofCity • i'
Iowa
Proclamation
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, 'Whereas, Juneteenth National Freedom Day commemorates the day of June 19, 1865,
I when Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, bringing ‘
news that the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation declared all
slaves to be free; and
Whereas, in Texas and throughout the South, Juneteenth commemorations began on
June 19th of each year— consisting of prayer services, inspirational speeches, readings of
the Emancipation Proclamation, food, games, and dances; and
Whereas, in 1997, during the 105th U.S. Congress, House Joint Resolution 56 and
Senate Joint Resolution 11 were passed, officially recognizing Juneteenth as the
Independence Day Observance of Americans of African descent; and
Whereas, Juneteenth reflects our community's deep belief in liberty and equality for all
individuals, as all benefit from a greater understanding and appreciation of the
experiences of others; and
Whereas, Juneteenth celebrates the strength and resolve of African-Americans
throughout our history, and is an opportunity to honor African-American culture, art,
history, and achievement; and
Whereas, Juneteenth will be commemorated on Saturday, June 22, 2019, from 12 p.m.
to 4 p.m. in Mercer Park, 2701 Bradford Dr. Iowa City, IA that will include games,
community education on African American history, as well as a health and wellness fair.
Now, therefore, I, James A. Throgmorton, do hereby recognize June 19, 2019, as
Juneteenth National Freedom Day
in Iowa City, and would encourage community members to attend the commemoration
events being held on June 22 to recognize this special day.
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c �% 'h fA> \ J es A. Throgmorton, ayor
��� i Y l>'i� t ' f` s . signed this 18th day of June, 2019. I
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