BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT:
Title
Adopt a Resolution Declaring June 19, 2024, as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in Recognition of June 19, 1865, the Date on Which the End of Slavery in the United States is Commemorated.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution DECLARING JUNE 19, 2024, AS “JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY” IN RECOGNITION OF JUNE 19, 1865, THE DATE ON WHICH SLAVERY ENDED IN THE UNITED STATES.
Body
SUMMARY:
Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. From its origins in Galveston, Texas, the observance of Juneteenth as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on
January 1, 1863, it was not until June 1865, over two years later, that news of freedom finally reached enslaved African Americans in Texas.
Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is observed for various lengths of time and is marked by celebrations, historical talks, and family gatherings. The observance is a time for reflection and rejoicing, assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future. In communities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, ethnicities, and religions come together to truthfully acknowledge a period in our nation’s history that shaped and influenced current-day society.
This year, in alignment with the federal Juneteenth holiday, and the Board of Directors' 2021 designation of Juneteenth as an official Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) annual paid holiday, Valley Water employees will be observing Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Adopting this resolution strengthens the acknowledgment of the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day in the United States. Furthermore, it recognizes that the end of slavery is a part of the essential history and heritage of the United States. It is through awareness and becoming sensitized to the conditions and experiences of all groups, that our nation can make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
In recognizing June 19, 2024, as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” Valley Water reaffirms our commitment to creating an inclusive work environment, that acknowledges our true history to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community we serve and beyond. Furthermore, the Association of Black Employees (ABE), a Valley Water employee resource group, will lead the implementation of observance activities during June for the Valley Water community in commemoration of Juneteenth.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY IMPACT:
The adoption of this resolution of acknowledgment is not subject to environmental justice analysis. However, the adoption of this resolution in recognition of June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day aligns with Valley Water's values of inclusion, equity, and justice.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have the potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER:
Manager
Rick Callender, 408-630-2017
Brian Hopper, 408-630-2765