County Executive Olszewski Issues Juneteenth Proclamation

Observance in Baltimore County

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today issued the following proclamation honoring June 19, 2020 as "Juneteenth Commemoration Day" in Baltimore County. 

Designating June 19, 2020 Juneteenth Commemoration Day

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and presented General Order No. 3, announcing that all enslaved people were now free-more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation; and

WHEREAS, the date of June 19 has become known as Juneteenth, the oldest known observance commemorating the emancipation of African Americans; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth honors not only the end of the cruelty of bondage; but the resolve of the human spirit over generations of adversity; and

WHEREAS, in Baltimore County and across the country, Americans must honestly confront the legacy of racial injustice experienced by communities of color and how the menace of systemic racism has shaped our current realties; and 

WHEREAS, we welcome the commemoration of Juneteenth as a day of truthful reflection to honor the progress we have made, acknowledge how far we still have to go, and renew our commitment to building a shared community vision for advancing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people in Baltimore County and beyond:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John A. Olszewski, Jr., as County Executive of Baltimore County, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2020-Juneteenth-as "JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATION DAY" in Baltimore County, and do commend this observance to all residents.