HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - PROCLAMATION - 06/07/2022 - PROCLAMATION DECLARING JUNE 19, 2022 AS JUNETEENTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it took almost
two-and-a-half years for enslaved African Americans in Texas to be informed of their liberation by the
Union Army, who did not enforce their emancipation until June 19, 1865; and
WHEREAS, that day became known as Juneteenth Independence Day and has been celebrated by
the Black and African American community for over 150 years, and is now commemorated nationally as the
day when enslaved Black and African Americans were freed; and
WHEREAS, not all enslaved people on American soil were liberated until the enactment of the
Thirteenth Amendment; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the continued impacts of slavery on the Black and Afr ican American
community today, the continued threat of racist violence, and the continued fight against systemic racism in
pursuit of liberation, reparations, and justice; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins Equity Indicators Report highlights the impacts of discrimination
against the local Black and African American community in outcomes connected to criminal justice, safety,
economic opportunity, health, education, and housing, and the City commits to action in addressing each of
these inequities through truth-telling, reconciliation, and systemic change; and
WHEREAS, Governor Jared Polis signed a bill Monday, May 2, 2022, that makes Juneteenth
Colorado's eleventh state holiday and the City declared Juneteenth a n official city holiday for the first time
in 2022; and
WHEREAS, the first community-organized Juneteenth celebration in the City of Fort Collins will
take place at Foothills Mall the weekend of June 17-19, 2022. The community will celebrate Juneteenth in
culturally significant ways that promote remembrance and advocate for racial progress; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeni Arndt, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, do hereby proclaim June
19, 2022 as
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY
and further commit to addressing inequitable outcomes that persist for Black and African American
community members and encourage the community to join in celebration and solidarity as we recognize the
significance of Juneteenth and the continued struggle for liberation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Fort
Collins this the 7th day June, A.D. 2022.
Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk