Juneteenth Proclamation

Published on June 01, 2026

HONORING THE COMMEMORATION OF JUNETEENTH - JUNE 19, 2026

WHEREAS,

Juneteenth’s origins date back to June 19, 1865, marking when word finally reached Galveston, Texas that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation declaring slavery to be illegal more than two years earlier; and 

WHEREAS,

in 2021, the U.S. government approved the national commemoration of Juneteenth, the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983, shining the spotlight increasingly brighter on the day and its significance for not only African Americans, but American society as a whole; and

WHEREAS,

for many, the holiday marks a second independence day for our nation, and has become an opportunity to reflect on many aspects of our national evolution, including the painful chapter and legacy of slavery, and the arduous and courageous steps taken by many Americans during the civil rights movement and continued efforts to create a more just and inclusive society for all; and

WHEREAS,

Juneteenth is celebrated across the nation in a multitude of ways, and in 2026 Lakewood continues to honor the holiday in a special event designed to commemorate the historical significance of Juneteenth while creating a welcoming space for education and conversation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I,

Cassandra Chase, Mayor of Lakewood, on behalf of the Lakewood City Council and the entire Lakewood community, do hereby proclaim June 19 as Juneteenth in Lakewood, and encourage residents to learn more about the significance of this historic milestone and the African American struggle for civil rights and their many achievements, as we continue to honor and celebrate the diversity of our residents and our community in Lakewood.

/s/CASSANDRA CHASE

MAYOR