HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuneteenth Day - June 19, 2020Proclamation
“Juneteenth Day”
June 19, 2020
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all
enslaved persons in the confederate states in rebellion free as of January 1, 1863, paving the way for the
passing of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America which formally ended
slavery in the nation; and
WHEREAS, news of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed some two and one half years, to
June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when U.S. General Gordon Granger read “General Order No. 3”
announcing the total abolishment of slavery; and
WHEREAS, thus June 19th has a special meaning to African-Americans, and is called
“JUNETEENTH" combining the words June and Nineteenth, and has been celebrated by the African-
American community for over 150 years; and
WHEREAS, the African-American community in Pasco has made significant contributions to the
history and quality of life of Pasco and Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, annual Juneteenth celebrations in the City of Pasco have been occurring over the last
several decades, however, this year’s public celebrations have been unfortunatel y cancelled due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Saul Martinez, Mayor of the City of Pasco, Washington, do hereby declare
June 19, 2020, as
Juneteenth Day
in the City of Pasco, Washington, and urge all residents to become more aware of the significance of this
celebration in African-American History and in the heritage of our nation and Cit y.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Pasco,
Washington, to be affixed this 15th day of June 2020.
Saul Martinez, Mayor
City of Pasco