BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt the Resolution Designating JUNE 19, 2021, as “JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY” in recognition of June 19, 1865, as the date of celebration for the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution DESIGNATING JUNE 19, 2021, AS “JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY” IN RECOGNITION OF JUNE 19, 1865, THE DATE ON WHICH SLAVERY CAME TO AN END IN THE UNITED STATES.
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SUMMARY:
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its origins in Galveston, Texas in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day had spread across the United States and beyond but not until months after the conclusion of the Civil War, and more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is celebrated as a day, a week, and in some areas, a month. It is recognized with celebrations, commemorations, cookouts, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection, rejoicing, assessment, self-improvement and planning for the future. Juneteenth’s increasing national popularity signifies a level of social, cultural and awareness of American history which is long overdue. In cities across the United States, people of all races, ethnicities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.
Adoption of this resolution affirms Santa Clara Valley Water District’s (Valley Water) recognition of the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day in the United States and its importance as an annual day of commemoration, provides an opportunity for all Valley Water staff to increase their awareness of, and to learn more about our nation’s past, to better understand the experiences that have shaped the United States, and recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States. Finally, adoption of this resolution further serves to connect Valley Water to its core value of being a diverse, inclusion and equitable organization.
In recognizing Juneteenth, Valley Water can further promote the Board’s Governance Policies committed to creating an inclusive work environment, which reflects and supports the diversity of our community and enriches our perspectives.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Association of Black Employees (ABE) will commemorate Juneteenth during a virtual all-employee Town Hall on a date to be determined.
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