WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Jubilee Day, commemorates the historic day of June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, marking the liberation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a celebration of African American freedom, heritage, and resilience, recognizing the enduring strength, spirit, and contributions of African Americans to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our nation; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the painful legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, equality, and justice, while also highlighting the progress that has been made and the work that remains to be done to achieve true equality and inclusion for all; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth provides an opportunity to honor and remember the sacrifices and achievements of African Americans throughout history, acknowledging their profound impact on our society and the richness they bring to our diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and celebration, encouraging all citizens to learn about and appreciate African American history and culture, and to commit to the ongoing pursuit of social justice and equality.
NOW THEREFORE I, Vicki A. Tesoro, by virtue of the authority vested in me as First Selectman of the Town of Trumbull, Connecticut do hereby proclaim June 19, 2024 as JUNETEENTH DAY.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Trumbull to be affixed on the 19th day of June, 2024.
Vicki A. Tesoro,
First Selectman