Juneteenth or Emancipation Day Proclamation

WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom or Emancipation Day, celebrates its 157th anniversary this year. Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865. This occurred 901 days after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, The following was read in Galveston, TX on June 19^th 1865 by General Gordon Granger, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society; and

WHEREAS, In the words of former Texas State Representative, Al Edwards, who authored House Bill 1016 making Texas the first state with Juneteenth as an official state holiday, “Every year we must remind successive generations that this event triggered a series of events that one by one defines the challenges and responsibilities of successive generations. That’s why we need this holiday”; and

WHEREAS, Two days after passing the House of Representatives by large majority, on the 17^th day of June 2021, President Joe Biden signed the unanimous and bipartisan effort of the Senate Chamber creating the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act; and  

THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the City of Kyle, that the 19^th day of June should be celebrated as

“Juneteenth or Emancipation Day”

in recognition of “Jubilee Day” and the spirit of Juneteenth that celebrates African American freedom, education, and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

SIGNED AND ENTERED THIS 21^st DAY OF June, 2022.

Travis Mitchell, Mayor

Dex Ellison, Council District 1

Yvonne Flores-Cale, Council District 2

Robert Rizo, Council District 3, Mayor Pro-Tem

Ashlee Bradshaw, Council District 4

Daniela Parsley, Council District 5

Michael Tobias, Council District 6