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A resolution celebrating the first observance of Juneteenth as an official Metropolitan Government holiday and recognizing June 19, 2022 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, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It 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 and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrations are a tribute to those African Americans who fought so long and worked so hard to make the dream of equality and justice a reality; and
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, designating Juneteenth as a legal and federal public holiday; and
WHEREAS, the Metro Civil Service Commission held a public hearing on March 8, 2022 to discuss the addition of Juneteenth as a Metro holiday; and
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2022, the Metro 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 Independence Day and celebrates the observance of the first official Metro Juneteenth holiday.
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 celebrating the first observance of Juneteenth as an official Metropolitan Government holiday and recognizes June 19, 2022 as Juneteenth in Nashville and Davidson County.
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.