BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:Title
Adopt Resolution Declaring June 19, 2022, as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in Recognition of June 19, 1865, the Date on Which the End of Slavery in the United States is Commemorated.
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RECOMMENDATION:Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution DECLARING JUNE 19, 2022, AS “JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY” IN RECOGNITION OF JUNE 19, 1865, THE DATE ON WHICH SLAVERY ENDED IN THE UNITED STATES.
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SUMMARY:
Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the end 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 the state of Texas.
Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is recognized in 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 our modern society. The Juneteenth theme for 2022 is “Black Joy and Legacy Through Family Health and Safety.”
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 Monday, June 20, 2022.
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, 2022, as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” Valley Water reaffirms our commitment to creating an inclusive work environment, which 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 IMPACT:
There are no Environmental Justice impacts associated with this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact related to this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have a potential for resulting in direct or reasonably, foreseeable indirect physical changes in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER:Manager
Rick Callender, 408-630-2017
Brian Hopper, 408-630-2765