header-left
File #: 156X-2004    Version: 1
Type: Ceremonial Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 6/14/2004 In control: Boyce
On agenda: 6/14/2004 Final action: 6/15/2004
Title: To honor and celebrate Juneteenth Ohio 2004 and declare Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20, 2004, as Juneteenth Ohio weekend in the City of Columbus
Sponsors: Kevin L. Boyce, Charleta B. Tavares, Patsy Thomas
Explanation
 
 
 
 
Title
 
To honor and celebrate Juneteenth Ohio 2004 and declare Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20, 2004, as Juneteenth Ohio weekend in the City of Columbus
 
 
Body
 
 
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council and the Mayor of the City of Columbus are pleased to recognize the efforts of Juneteenth Ohio on this their 14th annual celebration to be held Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20, 2004, at Franklin Park in Columbus, Ohio; and,
 
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a weekend of fun for the entire family that recognizes African Americans'  struggle for freedom.  This year's events consist of a kick-off reception; three-on-three basketball competition; health pavilion; gospel sing-off; children's pavilion; live entertainment; soul food pavilion and cultural marketplace; and,
 
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is celebrated annually, on June 19 in more than 200 cities in the United States.  Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the slaves in America were freed.  Although the rumors of freedom were widespread before this time, the actual emancipation did not come until Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3 on June 19, almost two-and-one-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation; and,
 
WHEREAS, Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery.  Juneteenth has come to symbolize for many African-Americans what the fourth of July symbolizes for all Americans --  Freedom.  It serves as a historical milestone reminding Americans of the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery.  It honors those African-American ancestors who survived the inhumane institution of bondage, as well as demonstrating pride in the marvelous legacy of resistance and perseverance they left us; now, therefore,
 
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we honor and celebrate Juneteenth Ohio 2004 and declare Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20, 2004, as Juneteenth Ohio weekend in the City of Columbus.
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that a copy of this Resolution be presented to the leadership of Juneteenth Ohio 2004 as a token of our esteem.