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III.3. Proclamation Celebrating Juneteenth; Baker CITY OF HOPKINS City Council Report 2026-055 To: Honorable Mayor Pro Tempore and Council Members Mike Mornson, City Manager From: David Baker, Program Specialist Date: June 2, 2026 Subject: Proclamation Celebrating Juneteenth _____________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDED ACTION MOTION TO Adopt a Proclamation celebrating June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in Hopkins. OVERVIEW Juneteenth, observed each year on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and is recognized as an important part of our nation’s history. The day serves both as a celebration of freedom and as a time for reflection, education, and community connection. Black Americans have made profound contributions to every aspect of American life, including government, education, business, science, culture, and the arts. Juneteenth provides an opportunity to honor those contributions while acknowledging the continued importance of equity, justice, and civic engagement. Tonight, the City of Hopkins would like to recognize Juneteenth and join communities across the nation in commemorating this important day. SUPPORTING INFORMATION  Proclamation Commemorating Juneteenth Administration A Proclamation Celebrating Juneteenth WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth stands as a powerful recognition of freedom, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of equality and justice in the United States; and WHEREAS, Black Americans have made invaluable contributions to the civic, cultural, economic, and social life of our nation, state, and local communities; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth offers an opportunity for reflection, education, celebration, and renewed commitment to building communities grounded in inclusion, opportunity, and mutual respect; and WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins values diversity and recognizes the importance of acknowledging historical events that continue to shape our shared community and national story; and WHEREAS, recognizing Juneteenth helps foster dialogue, understanding, and a stronger sense of community among residents; and NOW THEREFORE, I, Brian Hunke, Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Hopkins in the State of Minnesota, along with my fellow Council Members, recognize, adopt, and proclaim June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in the City of Hopkins, and encourage all residents to observe this occasion through reflection, education, celebration, and community engagement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 2nd day of June, 2026. _______________________________________ Brian Hunke, Mayor Pro Tempore