To: Board of Supervisors
From: Kendra Carr & Peter Kim, Co-Directors-Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
Report Title: Recognizing Juneteenth, A Day of Observance, to Celebrate the Liberation of African Americans, Recognize their Enduring Contributions, and Amplify their Voices and Leadership
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution recognizing Juneteenth, a Day of Observance, to Celebrate the Liberation of African Americans, Recognize their Enduring Contributions, and Amplify their Voices and Leadership as recommended by the Co-Directors of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
Juneteenth is a nationally recognized Day of Observance celebrating the liberation of enslaved African Americans and June 19, 2025 marks its 160th year as the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolishment of slavery in the United States.
This year, 2025, signifies the fourth anniversary since Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, when the federal government acknowledged and condemned the history of slavery in our Nation and recognized the lasting impact of systemic racism and inequity in our society.
Community-driven efforts by a diverse and expansive countywide network of Black-led community organizations, service providers, advocates, faith leaders, and resident leaders have advocated for transformative change. In partnership with the community, the Board of Supervisors has declared racism a public health crisis, created an Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, and approved the establishment of an African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub and expansion of critical social services for vulnerable Black residents.
This nationally recognized holiday of Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on the destructive and ongoing legacy of slavery; recommit ourselves to the work of equity, liberation, and justice; and remind us of the cent...
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