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L C lty of <br />Louisville <br />COLORADO • SINCE 1878 <br />A PROCLAMATION OBSERVING JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY <br />WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the emancipation of enslaved <br />African Americans, and is so named after the events that took place on the June 19, <br />1865 in Galveston, Texas; and <br />WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, <br />arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the <br />enslaved were free; and <br />WHEREAS, news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United States <br />for more than two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January <br />1, 1863, and months after the conclusion of the Civil War; and <br />WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an example of America's commitment to liberty and June 19rn <br />is celebrated and recognizes the historical significance of the end of chattel slavery in <br />the United States; and <br />WHEREAS, many African Americans continue the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth as <br />inspiration and encouragement for future generations, and for more than 155 years, <br />Juneteenth Day celebrations have been held to honor African American freedom while <br />encouraging self- development and respect for all cultures; and <br />WHEREAS, the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former enslaved <br />African Americans remains an example for all people of the United States, regardless of <br />background, religion or race; and <br />WHEREAS, on June 17, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Juneteenth <br />National Independence Day Act, which officially recognized Juneteenth Day of <br />Observance making June 19 a federal holiday; and <br />WHEREAS, on May 2, 2022, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill establishing <br />Juneteenth an official Colorado state holiday: <br />Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City of Louisville that we recognize the <br />historical significance of Juneteenth; support the continued celebration of Juneteenth to <br />provide an opportunity for the people of the City of Louisville to learn more about the <br />past to better understand the experiences that have shaped the nation and encourage <br />