WHEREAS, 2020 is the 155th year of Juneteenth Freedom Day, a nationally recognized day celebrating the rich culture, legacy, and heritage of African-Americans in the State of Washington; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States; dating back to June 19, 1865, when Union Soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War was ended, freeing all of the enslaved. Giving all African-Americans in America an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property; and
WHEREAS, the Yakima County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race; and
WHEREAS, the Yakima County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race; and
WHEREAS, we implore the citizens of Yakima County to ensure the symbolic events of 1865 are not forgotten in the State of Washington and encourage all residents to recognize and honor the significance of Juneteenth,
NOW THEREFORE, the Yakima County Commissioners hereby proclaims the week of June 15th, 2020 as:
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM WEEK
Certified by Melissa Paul, Clerk of the Board
Signed by: Norm Childress, Chairman, Ron Anderson, Commissioner, and Vicki Baker, Commissioner
