HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuneteenth Day - June 19, 2019Proclamation
“Juneteenth Day”
June 19, 2019
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the
slaves in Confederate territory free as of January 1, 1863, paving the way for the passing of the 13th
Amendment which formally ended slavery in the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, news of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed some two and one half years, to
June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas when Union General Gordon Granger read “General Order No. 3”
announcing the total abolishment of slavery; and
WHEREAS, 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, the annual Juneteenth celebration in the City of Pasco has been occurring over the last
several decades.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Matt Watkins, Mayor of the City of Pasco, Washington, do hereby declare
June 19, 2019, 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 City.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Pasco,
Washington, to be affixed this 17th day of June 2019.
Matt Watkins, Mayor
City of Pasco