President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in the country. But it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, almost 2½ years later, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, that it happened in Texas, when he announced the end of the Civil War and slavery. Juneteenth is a combination of the words June and 19th. It also is known as Freedom Day and “America’s Second Independence Day.”
Before the council voted, Oatis read his suggestion that the city take its action. Mayor Pat Moeller and other city officials were impressed by his presentation, and gave him a copy of the city resolution he inspired.
During an event June 18 in front of the Booker T. Washington Community Center that was recorded by TVHamilton, Moeller told him “Deion, when I was your age, I wasn’t taught about Juneteenth. So I’m learning myself now.”
He also said, “We thank you for your leadership in this,” during that ceremony.
The city resolution will cost the city no money, according to a report to the council. But Moeller said it will encourage all citizens to become more aware of the date’s significance to Black residents and as part of the heritage of the country and city.
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