III.3. Proclamation Recognizing June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth in Hopkins; Imihy Bean CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2023-047
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
PeggySue Imihy Bean, Special Projects and Initiatives Manager
June 6, 2023
Proclamation Recognizing June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth in Hopkins
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO Adopt a Proclamation recognizing June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth in
Hopkins.
OVERVIEW
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery
in the United States.
The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, officially
abolished slavery in the United States, on January 1, 1863. For many enslaved African
Americans, it would be more than 2 and a half years before news of freedom would
make it to parts of the deep south. The first known celebration of freedom is
documented as June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon
Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the message that the war had ended and all
enslaved people were free.
The observance of Juneteenth acknowledges the journey and achievement of African-
Americans and is a story of pride, determination, and resilience.
This year, in alignment with legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday in June
2021, this year the State of Minnesota has also passed legislation declaring June 19th a
state holiday. In observance of this, City Hall will be closed, and City staff have been
provided a holiday.
For those looking to celebrate Juneteenth residents can attend MN ROOTS! A
community gathering in honor of Juneteenth, at the Hopkins Center for the Arts on June
17th from 4-7pm.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
•Proclamation for Juneteenth
Administration
A Proclamation Commemorating
Juneteenth
WHEREAS, The United States of America is a nation founded on the principles of liberty
and justice for all, and the Civil War was fought to ensure that freedom would be shared
by all; and
WHEREAS, On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President
Abraham Lincoln, abolished slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Awareness of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed in reaching
authorities and African American people in the South and Southwestern United States for
two and a half years; and
WHEREAS, it was in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the news of freedom and
the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the South and Southwestern parts of the
United States, and is considered the first celebration of the ending of slavery in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, the day of June 19 holds special meaning to African-American people, and
“Juneteenth” is a portmanteau of “June” and “Nineteenth”, a time of celebration for over
150 years; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins celebrates our African-American community members,
City staff and volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations, such 17, 2023,
for their diversity in our community; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Patrick Hanlon, Mayor of the City of Hopkins in the State of
Minnesota, along with my fellow Council Members, recognize, adopt, and proclaim June
19th, 2023, as Juneteenth in the City of Hopkins, and urge all residents to become more
aware of the significance of this celebration in African-American History, and in the
heritage of our City and nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 6th day of
June 2023.
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Brian Hunke, Mayor Pro Tempore