REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order Number 3, freeing the enslaved men, women, and children of Texas. Juneteenth is celebrated annually on the nineteenth of June to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Texas and other Confederate States of America, ending slavery in the United States.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on January 1, 1863, almost three years later, on June 19, 1865, it was finally read in Texas to enslaved African Americans advising them they had been freed, albeit years later. Texas was the last Confederate State to have the proclamation announced, after the end of the American Civil War in April of that year. Unfortunately, freedom had been delayed and denied for nearly three years.
DISCUSSION
As a Special Order of Business, the Santa Clara City Council will honor and commemorate the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the United States by proclaiming June 19, 2020, as Juneteenth in the City of Santa Clara. The City Council also calls upon members of the Santa Clara community to work together to build connections and trust and work towards bringing an end to racism and racial injustices in our country. The 2020 Juneteenth Proclamation is included in this agenda report as Attachment 1.
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>.
Staff
Reviewed by: Julie Minot, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Council
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation