TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Friday issued a proclamation honoring June 19, 2020 as “Juneteenth Commemoration Day” in Baltimore County.

“On June 19, 1865, the last remaining enslaved African Americans were freed after Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas — more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation,” said Olszewski. “155 years later, we still have a long way to go to ensure justice for all.”

“In Baltimore County and across the country, Americans must honestly confront the legacy of racial injustice experienced by communities of color and how the menace of systemic racism has shaped our current realities,” Olszewski added. “On this Juneteenth Commemoration Day, we honor the progress we have made, acknowledge how far we still have to go, and renew our commitment to building a shared community vision for advancing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people in Baltimore County and beyond.”

The proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and presented General Order No. 3, announcing that all enslaved people were now free—more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation; and

WHEREAS, the date of June 19 has become known as Juneteenth, the oldest known observance commemorating the emancipation of African Americans; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth honors not only the end of the cruelty of bondage; but the resolve of the human spirit over generations of adversity; and

WHEREAS, in Baltimore County and across the country, Americans must honestly confront the legacy of racial injustice experienced by communities of color and how the menace of systemic racism has shaped our current realties; and

WHEREAS, we welcome the commemoration of Juneteenth as a day of truthful reflection to honor the progress we have made, acknowledge how far we still have to go, and renew our commitment to building a shared community vision for advancing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people in Baltimore County and beyond:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John A. Olszewski, Jr., as County Executive of Baltimore County, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2020—Juneteenth—as “JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATION DAY” in Baltimore County, and do commend this observance to all residents.

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