At its June 3 meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council passed a proclamation observing Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a federal holiday that recognizes the day when enslaved people in Texas were granted freedom from slavery under the Emancipation Proclamation, marking freedom from chattel slavery across the country. Today, it is observed as a reminder of the horrific legacy of slavery and an opportunity to recommit ourselves to fighting for human rights for all.

In recognition of Juneteenth, the City of St. Louis Park invites you to:

• Learn about the history of Juneteenth
  • Juneteenth | Minnesota Humanities Center
  • Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture

Whereas, Much of the economic growth and development of our country was made possible by the use of forced labor by generations of enslaved Africans who suffered the horror of the transatlantic trafficking and chattel slavery of their people; and

Whereas, Juneteenth has been observed by Black Americans since 1865, when word of the Emancipation Proclamation that granted freedom from slavery finally reached Texas - two years after it was written into law; and

Whereas, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the long struggle faced internally by the United States to eradicate chattel slavery of Black people; and

Whereas, Recognition of Juneteenth as an observed city holiday in St. Louis Park is a significant step in understanding the painful legacy of slavery; and

Whereas, Juneteenth is commemorated as “Freedom day” and opened possibilities for generations of Black people in the United States; and

Whereas, The generational trauma of slavery and the ongoing impacts of anti-Black institutional racism can still be felt and witnessed today; and

Whereas, Challenging racism and oppression in our communities honors Juneteenth and contributes to our strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a just community for all,

Now therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby observe Juneteenth 2024 in our community.