WHEREAS, each year June 19th commemorates the emancipation from slavery of those
who had been slaves in the United States and is the oldest African American holiday
observance in the nation;
WHEREAS, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the celebrated
Emancipation Proclamation warning Confederate States that he would declare enslaved
peoples “forever free”, paving the way for the passing of the 13th Amendment, which
formally abolished slavery in the United States of America;
WHEREAS, enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation occurred only in Confederate
States that were under Union Army control, and Texas was last of the Confederate
States to receive orders requiring the end of slavery;
WHEREAS, on June 19th, 1865, Union troops marched throughout Galveston reading to
the people of Galveston that all slaves were free, and the formerly enslaved citizens in
Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year and have
continued to present day and is now a Federally recognized holiday;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an occasion to remember and reflect upon the struggle, over
the years following emancipation, to advance equality and justice for African
Americans;
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day to honor and reflect on the significant ways that
African Americans have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to
promoting freedom and equality; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while
encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures,
NOW, THEREFORE , I, John McArdle, Mayor of the City of Independence, hereby
proclaim June 19, 2023 to be
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY
in recognition and celebration of the many ways in which the history and culture of
African Americans, and the advancements, discoveries and achievements of African
Americans have contributed to the history, culture, and social fabric of the nation and of
the City of Independence.

— JOHN McARDLE, MAYOR

ATTEST: Karin Johnson, City Recorder