County Executive David Crowley Statement Celebrating Juneteenth Holiday

MILWAUKEE, WI – This weekend, June 19, marks the Juneteenth Holiday, recognizing and celebrating Union soldiers arriving in Galveston, Texas to deliver news that the Civil War had ended that enslaved people were now free. Last year, Milwaukee County adopted a resolution to make June 19 of every year a major holiday, meaning county facilities will be closed and employees will have the day off for Juneteenth. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley issued the following statement in celebration of the holiday: 

“It is an honor to celebrate Juneteenth as a major holiday in Milwaukee County for the first time. I am proud to be part of one of the first local governments in Wisconsin to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday. Juneteenth recognizes the day that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to deliver news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved peoples were now free. The welcome news was delayed for over two years by slaveholders, an early signal that real change would face resistance from those holding on to the racist ideals of slavery and white supremacy.

“Today, Juneteenth is a celebration of the rich history and culture of the Black community, but it is also a stark reminder that even after emancipation, the fight continues for equity, freedom, and justice for all peoples. That’s why I was thrilled to see Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday this week. Reflecting on the past and acknowledging the work we need to do to advance and uphold the ideals of equity is how we improve our union and make it a more just, fair, and equal place to live.

“Recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday is an important step on the road to fully recognizing our entire history and serves as inspiration to continue to push for change in the face of staunch opposition. However, our work is not done to achieve racial equity and dismantle centuries of systemic racism. I hope all County residents will take the time this weekend to reflect upon the significance of this day and open their hearts and minds to reckon with centuries of oppression and systemic racism.”

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.