Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation, and present it to Jeanne Booth Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion (JEDI) • City Manager's Office.
Discussion
Juneteenth is recognized each year on June 19th. In June 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and his Union troops landed in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended. Major General Gordon read a proclamation declaring that all enslaved people were free, two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had declared that enslaved people living in the secessionist Confederate states were free. The first Juneteenth was celebrated in Texas. The name Juneteenth was derived by combining the word “June” and “Nineteen.” Today, Juneteenth is recognized across the country.
In 1996, Michigan Congresswoman Barbara-Rose Collins introduced the first legislation to recognize “Juneteenth Independence Day.” Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievements. The day also encourages continuous self-development and improvement. While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, it also serves as a reminder of the need to recognize and eliminate systemic racism towards African Americans.
On July 20, 2020, the Mayor and Council unanimously voted to make Juneteenth a City holiday in Rockville. This year, the City is collaborating with Montgomery County to celebrate and further the understanding of Juneteenth through a two-day community event on June 17th and 18th. Juneteenth celebration activities will include exhibits, food, vendors, games, arts, books, and live music.
Mayor and Council History
Mayor and Council issue this proclamation annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
The City of Rockville will join Montgomery County to celebrate Juneteenth at a special event featuring live music, food, art, films, and awards from 1 pm - 10 pm Saturday, June 21, 2025, 28th Annual Montgomery County Juneteenth Celebration: PUSHING BACK - THE FIGHT FOR FREEDON IS NOT OVER BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874.
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights coordinates the program, which also features the Living Legends Awards honoring County residents who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community. Look for a City of Rockville table and City representatives at the celebration.
Again - Reminder and Event Address:
Saturday, June 21, 1 pm - 10 pm
BlackRock Center for the Arts
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874