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Juneteenth
June 19, 2025
WHEREAS Juneteenth, also known as "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Emancipation Day,"
"Emancipation Celebration," and "Freedom Day," is the oldest African American holiday observance
in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863,
declared that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall
be free," paving the way for the passing of the thirteenth amendment which formally abolished
slavery in the United States of America; and,
WHEREAS, Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America
were freed when General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order
No. 3, almost two and one-half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation;
and,
WHEREAS, June 19 has an empowering meaning in American history, and is called Juneteenth
combining the words June and nineteenth, and has been celebrated by the Black Community for
over 150 years; and,
WHEREAS, Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes
education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with
celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing.
It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future; and,
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride -filled day during which we
develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the African American experience.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Lisa Landau and Members of the Seal Beach
City Council do hereby proclaim the observance of "Juneteenth" on June 19, 2025, in the City of
Seal Beach and urge all residents, schools, businesses, and community groups to celebrate
Juneteenth as a day of remembrance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereby affix my signature and the seal of the City of Seal Beach on this
ninth day of June in the year two -thousand and twenty-five.
Lis andau, Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem: Nathan Steele
City Council Members:
Joe Kalmick
Ben Wong
Patty Senecal