Monrovia Proclaims June 19 as 'Juneteenth National Freedom Day'

MONROVIA, CA — In addition to President Joe Biden signing a law this week recognizing June 19 as a federal holiday, the Monrovia City Council also declared the date to be “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” during its Tuesday meeting.

The proclamation from the city is just the latest example of the holiday gaining mainstream recognition in recent years as conversations about racial injustice have become more prevalent.

The holiday commemorates the moment on June 19, 1865 where Union Gen. Gordon Granger told enslaved Black Texans in Galveston about the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in the United States. The news arrived nearly two years after the proclamation was issued on Jan. 1, 1863.

“In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, we must stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for justice and human rights," Monrovia’s proclamation reads in part.

Tamala Kelly, who is a pastor at The Purpose Church and associated with Black Lives Matter Monrovia, applauded the council’s decision. She said it spoke to the city’s core values in choosing to honor Juneteenth.

“Freedom and equity are values that we as all Monrovians can get behind,” she said. “We saw that last year at the [city’s first celebration of] Juneteenth — this is something that the city wants, desires and is championing.”

In addition to the proclamation, the city will also have a Juneteenth celebration Saturday hosted by Black Lives Matter Monrovia at Station Square Park at 3 p.m. The event will feature live music, games, food and guest speakers.

Attendees are encouraged to bring face masks, lawn chairs and picnic blankets for the event.

“Saturday is going to be just a day of community unit, a day of celebration, Kelly said. “Get their early … get comfortable.”