HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-09 06/09/2025 ProclamationC.1Tt COUNCIL
PROCLAIMING JUNE 19T" AS JUNETEENTH
WHEREAS, The first Juneteenth celebration was in 1866, a year after Union soldiers, led by Major
General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, with news that
the war had ended in April and that the enslaved were now free; and
WHEREAS, This announcement was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued
the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, "that all persons held as slaves" within
the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be, free;" and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates the determination of the people who were seized and
brought to this country from Africa, and whose descendants were enslaved for over 200
years before the horrific institution of slavery was abolished; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates that moment in time when the enslaved in Galveston, Texas,
received word of their freedom. As an anonymous celebrant said, "We imagine the
depth of their emotions, their jubilant dance and their fear of the unknown;" and
WHEREAS, The City of Bangor believes it is important to recognize the historical significance of
Juneteenth in order to advance racial equity, human dignity and justice; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in
the United States and what many people consider to be America's 2nd Independence
Day Observance, is now a federal and state holiday, and is also recognized by the City
of Bangor; and
WHEREAS, The City of Bangor acknowledges black Mainers are disproportionately impacted by
poverty, which leads to higher rates of incarceration, food insecurity and negative health
impacts, due to systemic racism; and
WHEREAS, Former President Barack Obama has said, "Juneteenth has never been a celebration of
victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It's a celebration of progress. It's an
affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible — and
there is still so much work to do."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Cara Pelletier, Mayor of the City of Bangor, on behalf of the City Council and
the citizens of Bangor, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth to honor African American
history and encourage all community members to reflect on how each of us can promote equality, liberty
and justice for all people.
Given this the 9th day of June, 2025.
Cara Pelletier, Mayor