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...
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