At yesterday’s meeting of the Common Council (Tuesday, June 16), the Council passed file # 200272 – a resolution directing the Department of Administration – Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation establishing Juneteenth Day as a federal holiday.
“Several years ago the City passed a resolution recognizing Juneteenth Day as a local holiday and I believe it is time now for this important day to be recognized at a federal level,” said Alderwoman Coggs “Just as we celebrate the 4th of July as a day of independence, so should we celebrate Juneteenth Day as it represents a significant moment in history for many in this country.
I want to thank my colleagues for their overwhelming support of this file and recognition of the importance of Juneteenth Day.”
Juneteenth Day marks the day in 1865 where the final enslaved Africans were granted their freedom in Galveston, Texas.
Wisconsin is one of 46 states to recognize Juneteenth Day, and Milwaukee is home to one of the longest running Juneteenth Day celebrations in the country.
