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L <br />Cityof <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 Black <br />Americans, and is so named after the events that took place on June 19, 1865 in <br />Galveston, Texas; and <br />WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, <br />informed enslaved people in Galveston, Texas of their freedom and that the Civil War <br />had ended <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, also known as "Juneteenth Independence Day", "Freedom Day", <br />or "Emancipation Day" is an example of America's commitment to liberty and is <br />celebrated and remembered as the end of chattel slavery in the United States; and <br />WHEREAS, many Black Americans continue the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth as <br />inspiration, and for more than 159 years, Juneteenth Day offers pause forjoy, happiness, <br />and nourishment for the community; and <br />WHEREAS, Juneteenth reminds us of Black resiliency, struggle, and hope and <br />encourages future generations to continue the ongoing fight for freedom, equality, and <br />dignity; and <br />WHEREAS, Colorado's Black community has a rich and diverse history, from the <br />pioneers who settled in the state during the 19th century, to the activists who fought for <br />civil rights during the 20th century, to the artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs who <br />continue to make their mark today; <br />WHEREAS, we must continue to work towards creating a more equitable and just <br />society for all Coloradans, and recognizing the contributions and struggles of the Black <br />community is an essential step towards achieving that goal; <br />