HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-20 Proclamationj City of Iowa City
Proclamation
Whereas, Juneteenth National Freedom Day celebrates the day of 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 Texas and throughout the South, Juneteenth celebrations began on June
19`h 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 commemorates the strength and resolve of African-Americans
throughout our history, and is an opportunity to celebrate African-American culture, art,
history, and achievement; and
Whereas, on Saturday, June 24, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mercer Park, a Juneteenth
Celebration will be held that will include games, activities and a health and financial
wellness fair;
Now, therefore, I, James A. Throgmorton, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby recognize
June 19, 2017, as
Juneteenth National Freedom Day
in Iowa City, and would encourage community members to attend the Celebration being
held on June 24 to recognize this special day.
Jarnes A. Throgmorton, Mayor
signed this 20`h day of June, 21
i
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, generations of immigrants from every corner of the globe have built our
country's economy and created the unique character of our nation; and
Whereas, immigrants continue to grow businesses, innovate, strengthen our
economy, and create American jobs in Iowa City, IA; and
Whereas, immigrants have provided the United States with unique social and
cultural influence, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of our
nation; and
Whereas, immigrants have been tireless leaders not only in securing their own
rights and access to equal opportunity, but have also campaigned to create a
fairer and more just society for all Americans; and
Whereas, despite these countless contributions, the role of immigrants in building
and enriching our nation has frequently been overlooked and undervalued
throughout our history and continuing to the present day.
Now, Therefore,1, James A. Throgmorton, Mayor of Iowa City, designate that
June 2017 is
IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH
For information on the impact that immigrants have in your state, please click
here: The Economic and Political Impact of Immigrants, Latinos and Asians in all
50 States.
01
yor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 20a' day of June, 2017