HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-17 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 17, 2025
Juneteenth National Freedom Day
Attachments: Juneteenth National Freedom Day proclamation
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, Juneteenth National Freedom Day commemorates June 19, 1865, 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 1866, Juneteenth commemorations began to be celebrated —consisting of
prayer services, inspirational speeches, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, food,
games, and dances; and
Whereas, Juneteenth reflects our community's deep belief in liberty and equality for
all individuals; and
Whereas, Juneteenth celebrates the strength and resolve of African - Americans
throughout history, and is an opportunity to honor African -American culture, art, history,
and achievement as all benefit from a greater understanding and appreciation of the
experiences of others; and
Whereas, the first major Juneteenth celebration in Johnson County was hosted by Club
Kazi, a group in 2007 whose name means "to work" in Swahili, and was held on June 26,
2011, at Mercer Park; and
Whereas, beginning in 2020, the City of Iowa officially recognizes Juneteenth as a
City holiday; and
Whereas, this year's Juneteenth celebration includes multiple community events from
June 15 through June 21, featuring a family picnic, live performances, fashion showcases,
community meals, and cultural reflections. The June 19 event is presented by The Black
Voices Project at the South District Market. For full details, visit iciuneteenth.com.
Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague do hereby recognize June 19, 2025, as
Juneteenth National Freedom Day
in Iowa City, and encourage community members to participate in the commemorative
events.
r Q
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa
this 17`h day of June 2025.
Item Number: 2.b.
I, CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 17, 2025
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Attachments: LGBTQ+ Pride Month proclamation
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, LGBTQ+ communities across the nation annually celebrate pride in their culture
and community in the month of June; and
Whereas, the annual celebration of Pride began as a collective protest for the rights of
LGBTQ+ individuals and communities; and
Whereas, the national tradition of celebrating Pride in June is a tribute to the Stonewall Riots
of June, 1969 in New York City, which are remembered as the launch of the modern LGBTQ+
rights movement; and
Whereas, transgender persons of color, including Marsha P. Johnson, Silvia Rivera and
Storme DeLarverie, were primary leaders in the Stonewall expression of just treatment for
LGBTQ+ people, and gave their work and lives to the cause; and
Whereas, the City of Iowa City recognizes the many LGBTQ+ lives that continue to be lost
each year in pursuit of living out their authentic identities, in particular, transgender persons of
color; and
Whereas, the City of Iowa City welcomes and accepts persons of diverse sexual orientations,
gender identities, and gender expressions, and is proud to celebrate the contributions and culture
of all residents; and
Whereas, each year, Iowa City Pride brings together thousands of LGBT+ persons from
across Iowa and beyond to celebrate their shared identities and experiences; and
Whereas, Iowa City Pride is celebrating its 55th Annual Pride Anniversary, and the 56th
Anniversary of Stonewall, this June; and
Whereas, Iowa City Pride will host its annual Iowa City Pride on June 21st in downtown
Iowa City and I encourage all to attend this celebratory event which includes a parade.
Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby proclaim the
month of June 2025 to be
in Iowa City, and encoum
the LGBTQ+ community
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
all to
reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality members of
celebrate the contributions that enhance our city.
M
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 17th day of June 2025.