REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim June 19, 2023 as Juneteenth
Report
BACKGROUND
Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. The proclamation declaring the abolishment of slavery was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, in the nation’s third year of an ongoing civil war. For three years, after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Black Americans in Texas remained illegally deprived of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, over two years after President Lincoln declared all enslaved persons free, Major General Gordon Granger and the Union Army marched to Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas.
Juneteenth it is a day to recognize the power and resilience of Black Americans, who have endured generations of oppression in the ongoing journey toward equal justice, equal dignity, equal rights, and equal opportunity the U.S. The City of Santa Clara recognizes Juneteenth with the commitment to strive towards bringing an end to racism and racial injustices in our community.
DISCUSSION
At the June 6, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council will proclaim June 19, 2023 as Juneteenth in the City of Santa Clara.
Roshawn Walter, M.Ed., Umoja Community Coordinator, from Mission College leads the Mission College Umoja Community. The Umoja program at Mission College works towards efforts to support disproportionately impacted students and to enrich and empower the African American student population in academics. Together with members of the Umoja program, Roshawn Walter will be present to accept the proclamation for Juneteenth.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Maria Le, Assistant to the City Manager, Mayor and Council Offices
Approved by: Jōvan D. Grogan, City Manager, City Manager’s Office