Pierce County Government: Pierce County Recognizes Juneteenth Holiday With Proclamation

Press release from the Pierce County Government:

June 17, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2021

The Pierce County Council unanimously adopted a joint proclamation June 15 marking the upcoming Juneteenth holiday and acknowledging its significance in our country’s history.

This is the first time Pierce County has issued a resolution recognizing June 19.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Celebration Day and Freedom Day, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery. It marks the date – June 19, 1865 – when African Americans living in Texas learned slavery was abolished through the issuance more than two years earlier of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. 

The Council-led resolution noted the importance of Juneteenth and the opportunity it provides to honor and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans and Black residents in Pierce County and their continued commitment to our community.

On Juneteenth, and every day, all Pierce County residents are encouraged to recognize the continued need to battle racism and build a society that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous for all.

To commemorate its inaugural recognition of Juneteenth, Council asked community leaders to share their perspectives about the holiday and their hope for increased community awareness. You can view their responses in this video on the PCTV YouTube channel.

Read the full proclamation.

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This press release was produced by the Pierce County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.