www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com This show is made possible by
https://www.NoisePodcastNetwork.comA proclamation urging residents to observe Juneteenth was signed by Mayor and Council Monday.
The proclamation honors Juneteenth, "celebrating African American freedom, education, and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures."
June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free. African Americans who had been enslaved in the Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as "Juneteenth Independence Day", as an inspiration and encouragement for future generations.
June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation declaring
Juneteenth a national holiday.
Councilwoman Cristy Lenski, who researched the history of the holiday for the historic proclamation, asked the it to be framed and put on display at City Hall.
A Juneteenth Festival will take place on the Towne Green from 1-8 p.m. Sunday to celebrate the holiday.