Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Celebrates Juneteenth Day
MILWAUKEE – Today, County Executive David Crowley is joining the community to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth Day – also known as Freedom Day. At County Executive Crowley’s direction, the Juneteenth flag was raised at the Milwaukee County Courthouse in commemoration of the holiday.
“Now more than ever, it’s important for Wisconsinites to come together in recognition and celebration of Juneteenth. This day serves not only as a time to reflect on our nation’s history, but also as an opportunity to recommit to building the future our communities deserve,” said County Executive Crowley. “At a time when many – especially communities of color – continue to face uncertainty, Juneteenth reminds us that the pursuit of freedom, justice, and equity is far from over. Today, I once again look forward to celebrating African American culture and history, reflecting on the lessons of our past, and renewing our commitment to building a safer, brighter future for everyone.”
Image from Crowley’s office.
This morning, County Executive Crowley released a video message reflecting on Juneteenth Day that can be viewed HERE.
County Executive Crowley is focused on a vision that by achieving racial equity, Milwaukee County will become the healthiest community in Wisconsin. In June 2020, County Executive Crowley and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell declared June 19 as a floating holiday for Milwaukee County employees to honor and celebrate Black life and attend Juneteenth Day celebrations throughout Milwaukee.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of enslavement of Black people by white people in the United States. On June 19, 1865, two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers arrived in Texas to read and enforce the proclamation that ended slavery. Starting in 1866, Juneteenth has been celebrated as the end of slavery in the United States.
Led by Northcott Neighborhood House and the Juneteenth Day Executive Committee, Milwaukee hosts one of the longest-running Juneteenth Day celebrations in the country. County Executive Crowley will walk in the Juneteenth Jubilee Parade later this morning. More information is available HERE.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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