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A resolution recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Emancipation Day,” “Emancipation Celebration,” and “Freedom Day,” recognizes the emancipation of those who were enslaved in the United States and is observed annually on June 19; and
WHEREAS, June 19, 1865 marks the date when the last enslaved African-Americans in America, approximately 250,000 people, were told they were free when General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order No. 3, almost two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation; and
WHEREAS, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865, ending chattel slavery across the United States and in every territory under its control, except as a criminal punishment; and
WHEREAS, for formerly enslaved African Americans, the Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, praying, and gathering remaining family members together. Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date; and
WHEREAS, the observance of Juneteenth spread from Texas to the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, as well as Alabama, Florida, and California, where many African American Texans migrated; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, family gatherings, and community festivals. It is a time for reflection, rejoicing, assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth activities are held across Nashville, Tennessee to celebrate and support African American culture, art, music, food, and business including Black on Buchanan, Music City Freedom Festival at Hadley Park, Junteenth615 at Fort Negley Park, and more; and
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, designating Juneteenth as a legal and federal public holiday; and
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2022, the Metropolitan Civil Service Commission unanimously approved the request to add Juneteenth as an official Metro holiday; and
WHEREAS, for the first time, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County observed the Juneteenth holiday on Monday, June 20, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth symbolizes freedom, celebrates the abolishment of slavery, and reminds all Americans of the significant contributions of African Americans to our society; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth and the important role that African Americans have played in the history of the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth in Nashville and Davidson County and encourages the people of Nashville and Davidson County to observe Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.