The Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth at its board meeting Thursday night.
The board passed 2025 RES-042 to honor Black resilience and affirm its ongoing commitment to building an equitable future. This marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth nationally and the 36th annual community celebration in Madison.
Juneteenth commemorates the date when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. While Juneteenth symbolizes the formal end of slavery in the United States, the Dane County resolution acknowledges the ongoing struggle for liberation and justice as Black Americans continue to face inequities in education, economic opportunity, health care, and the criminal justice system.
“In recognizing Juneteenth, we honor the resilience and perseverance of African Americans who endured oppression from before the founding of our country,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles in a statement. “This resolution and our ongoing actions reflect our commitment to face the continued need to break down barriers and make Dane County more equitable and inclusive for all.”
Juneteenth in Madison was co-founded by community leaders Annie Weatherby-Flowers and Mona Adams Winston. This year’s celebration, themed “We Will Still Collectively Rise,” will take place on Saturday, June 21, noon-6 p.m. at Penn Park on Madison’s South Side. This year, 2025, marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history that represents freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
“As we celebrate Black resilience, we honor the progress made while recognizing the challenges that remain. Like those who came before us, we will continue to persevere and carry forward the work necessary to achieve true freedom and equity for all,” said Weatherby-Flowers.
