Happy Juneteenth, Green Bay!
Juneteenth is celebrated to commemorate the day on which African American slaves learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, nearly two and a half years after the slaves of the Confederacy had been made “forever free” by force of the Emancipation Proclamation. Recognition of Juneteenth spread throughout the country after its first celebration in 1866 as the freed people of Texas continued the tradition with their migration beyond the state’s borders. Juneteenth experienced a rebirth in 1968 when Coretta Scott King and Ralph Abernathy ended the Poor People’s March with recognition of the holiday on June 19. The holiday continues to be celebrated as a milestone of Black freedom by millions throughout the United States. Juneteenth stands as a celebration of independence and reminds us of the freedoms owed and the promises made to African Americans. Whereas we recognize the importance of striving toward the day on which racism, violence, and inequality are eradicated and true freedom is experienced by all. As your mayor, I have proclaimed June 19, 2020 to be Juneteenth in Green Bay and encourage all residents of our community to recognize and celebrate this holiday and the values for which it stands.