City Of West Palm Beach: Mayor Keith A. James Statement On Juneteenth 2021

Press release from the City of West Palm Beach:

06/17/2021 8:00 AM

On June 19th, we observe Juneteenth in honor of the end of slavery throughout the United States. On this day in 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Union Soldiers arrived in Texas with news that the war was over and all who were previously enslaved were now freed.

Not only do we celebrate African American freedom, culture, history and achievements, but we also take this occasion as a moment of reflection. Simultaneously, we pay tribute to the African Americans who endured unthinkable atrocities, as well as the changemakers who fought for and championed equality and freedom.

Juneteenth is a celebration for everyone. I wish all City of West Palm Beach residents a happy Juneteenth!

Mayor Keith A. James

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed here are the author’s own.