Council passes resolution seeking Juneteenth Day become a federal holiday
At yesterday’s meeting of the Common Council (Tuesday, June 16), the Council passed file # 200272 – a resolution directing the Department of Administration – Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation establishing Juneteenth Day as a federal holiday. The file was introduced by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and co-sponsored by Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Michael Murphy, Alderman Cavalier Johnson and Alderman Nik Kovac.
“Several years ago the City passed a resolution recognizing Juneteenth Day as a local holiday and I believe it is time now for this important day to be recognized at a federal level,” said Alderwoman Coggs “Just as we celebrate the 4th of July as a day of independence, so should we celebrate Juneteenth Day as it represents a significant moment in history for many in this country. I want to thank my colleagues for their overwhelming support of this file and recognition of the importance of Juneteenth Day.”
Juneteenth Day marks the day in 1865 where the final enslaved Africans were granted their freedom in Galveston, Texas. Wisconsin is one of 46 states to recognize Juneteenth Day, and Milwaukee is home to one of the longest running Juneteenth Day celebrations in the country.
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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