Sacramento, CA…Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring June 20, 2020, as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California. The text of the proclamation can be found here and a copy can be found below:

PROCLAMATION
Juneteenth commemorates an extraordinary moment, and this year, we
celebrate during an extraordinary time.

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led troops into
Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the insidious
institution of slavery. Thousands of enslaved people in Texas – among the
last to learn of their liberation – tasted hard-won freedom for the first time.

The joyous commemorations that began in Texas spread around the
nation, with cities and communities in California joining in celebration of this
milestone in the American journey to freedom for all. Since 2003, the State
of California has celebrated Juneteenth as a day to honor and reflect on
the significant contributions of Black Americans to our nation.

This year, Juneteenth celebrations take place amid continued calls for
justice, with people across the nation speaking out against systemic racism
and its deadly consequences for Black Americans. These demonstrations,
fueling important reforms throughout the United States, are the latest
contributions to building a more perfect union – where liberty and justice
are indeed “for all.” We remember those who have lived and died in this
pursuit, and their memory inspires us to continue that project.

Today, I urge all Californians to reflect on the ongoing cause of freedom for
Black Americans – remembering that, though General Granger’s
announcement in 1865 called for “absolute equality,” that vision was, and
remains, far from complete. This year, the California State Capitol will be lit
in the pan-African colors of red, black and green, which represent the

African diaspora to enslavement in the New World; as those of us who work
in the building continue to advance policies that promote equity and right
historic wrongs. Let us all redouble our commitment to use our power to
stamp out racism in our communities and institutions and help secure
freedom for all.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do
hereby proclaim June 20, 2020, as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A
Day of Observance.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto
set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the State of California to be
affixed this 19th day of June 2020.
___________________________________
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
__________________________________
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State
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