5. 2022-19 Draft Resolution to Adopt Juneteenth as a Scandia City HolidayCITY OF SCANDIA
RESOLUTION NO.: 2022-19
A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH JUNETEENTH AS A HOLIDAY
IN THE CITY OF SCANDIA
WHEREAS, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation
declaring all slaves free. However, this freedom was not made known to many enslaved African Americans
until two years after its passage. Juneteenth recognizes that on June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in
Galveston, Texas were informed that slavery had been abolished; and
WHEREAS, When the former slaves heard of this news, they began to celebrate with prayer,
feasting, song, and dance.1 The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took
place in Texas.2 Within a few years, African Americans in other states were celebrating the day, making it
an annual tradition.; and
WHEREAS, celebrations have continued across the United States including a rich history in the
Flint community recognizing the end of slavery and the triumphs, culture and achievements of African
Americans locally and across the United States and throughout the world.; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth has been recognized as a new federal holiday celebrating freedom from
slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota outlines holidays in State Statute; however, at this time,
Minnesota has not recognized Juneteenth as a holiday; and
WHEREAS, the City of Scandia wishes to establish Juneteenth as a City holiday to
commemorate the end of slavery in the United States; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council establishes Juneteenth
(June 19) as a City of Scandia holiday with the closure of City offices; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the date and rules of observance of the holiday shall be
as specified in Minnesota Statutes §645.44, and any policy changes or collective bargaining to are to be
made accordingly.
Adopted by the Scandia City Council this 1st day of June, 2022.
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Christine Maefsky, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Kenneth Cammilleri, City Administrator