IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21312, June 15, 2023
INTRODUCED BY DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is a significant and historic event commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates the momentous occasion of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, and notified the remaining enslaved individuals in the state of Texas of their freedom, more than two years after the proclamation was initially issued by President Abraham Lincoln; and,
WHEREAS, Juneteenth was brought from Texas to Jackson County in 1980 by Horace M. Peterson III, founder of the Black Archives of Mid-America-Kansas City, as an annual heritage celebration and platform that recognized the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America and paid tribute to the Black founders and important citizens of Jackson County; and,
WHEREAS, JuneteenthKC will be celebrated with a Heritage Festival on June 17, 2023, in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, featuring over 200 retail vendors, an interactive youth zone, and live performances from Pokey Bear, Sir Charles, Kevin "Church" Johnson, Kim Keys, and more; and,
WHEREAS, Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the resilience, strength, and determination of African Americans in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality; and,
WHEREAS, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices endured by African Americans throughout history, while also acknowledging the co...
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