From left, local small business owner Beverly Neal-Clinton, Los Alamos County Council Vice Chair Theresa Cull and Democratic Party Chair Andrea Determan hold up the proclamation declaring June 19 as Juneteenth Tuesday night. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council Vice Chair Theresa Cull presented a proclamation at Tuesday’s council meeting declaring June 19 Juneteenth.
The proclamation was accepted by local small business owner Beverly Neal-Clinton and Democratic Party of Los Alamos Chair Andrea Determan.
The proclamation read:
WHEREAS, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, setting in motion the end of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, it was not until June 19, 1865, that it was announced to those still enslaved in Texas: “The people are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free”; and
WHEREAS, celebration of the end of slavery, which became known as Juneteenth, is the oldest known public celebration of the end of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and celebrates the successes gained through education and greater opportunity; and
WHEREAS, on a larger scale, celebration of Juneteenth reminds each of us of the precious promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity which are at the core of the American Dream; and
WHEREAS, in June 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and in February 2022, the Los Alamos County Council adopted a personnel rule to observe Juneteenth as a holiday for Los Alamos County government to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. .
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim Monday, June 19, 2023, as “JUNETEENTH”
In Los Alamos County and urge our citizens to become aware of the significance of this celebration in American History and in the heritage of our nation, state and county.
Neal-Clinton read her own comments about Juneteenth:
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens,
Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with immense pride and gratitude as we gather here to commemorate and celebrate the Proclamation of Juneteenth. This day marks a significant milestone in our nation’s history, a day that symbolizes freedom, justice, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Americans. It is a day that honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the long and arduous journey towards equality and justice for all.
As we reflect upon the significance of Juneteenth, we acknowledge the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of those who came before us. We pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who fought against the chains of oppression, persevered through unimaginable hardships, and ultimately paved the way for the liberties we hold dear today.
The Proclamation of Juneteenth is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a testament to our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and unity. By officially recognizing and commemorating Juneteenth, we acknowledge the painful chapters of our history and work towards healing the wounds that still persist. This proclamation represents a powerful step forward in our collective journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not a given, but a precious right that must be fiercely protected and vigilantly nurtured. It reminds us of the responsibility we bear to ensure that every individual, regardless of their race, creed, or background, can live a life free from discrimination and prejudice. It calls upon us to confront the challenges that continue to divide us and to strive relentlessly towards a future where equality and justice are not mere aspirations, but lived realities for all.
Today, let us not only celebrate the remarkable achievements of the past but also recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. Let us use this day as a catalyst for change, to deepen our understanding, to amplify marginalized voices, and to dismantle the systemic barriers that still hinder progress.
In proclaiming Juneteenth as a day of remembrance, reflection, and resilience, we send a powerful message to the world—that our nation is built on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. We stand united, resolute in our determination to create a future where every person, regardless of their background, can thrive and flourish.
Thank you all for joining me in this momentous occasion, as we embrace the Proclamation of Juneteenth and embark on a journey of hope, healing, and unity. Together, let us build a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.
May the spirit of Juneteenth inspire us all, today and always. Thank you.
