The Dane County Board Supervisors will hear the resolution recognizing Juneteenth at its board meeting Thursday night. Juneteenth commemorates June 19th of 1865, the day President Abraham Lincoln emancipated African slaves across the United States.
“It is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a community. It marks a significant milestone in American history and progress, and celebrating this day honors the immense contributions of African Americans both to our nation and to Dane County,” said Supervisor Anthony Gray (District 14) in a press release.
In 2020, the Dane County Board approved a resolution making Juneteenth a holiday for Dane County employees, one of the first units of government to do so.
The resolution at tonight’s Board meeting encourages employees to spend Juneteenth by volunteering for African American causes or shopping at Black-owned businesses, according to a press release from the Dane County Board of Supervisors, and the resolution emphasizes that Juneteenth is not a “one and done” holiday, but rather a reminder to consider and support the countless contributions, immense vibrancy, and unique spirit of African American communities every day of the year.
“Juneteenth commemorates the remarkable resilience and dedication of the African American community, highlighting a day of progress in the pursuit of equality and justice, said Supervisor April Kigeya (District 15). “This day stands as a tribute to the enduring strength of Black Americans, celebrating their rich cultural heritage and their embodiment of the spirit of this nation.”
