June 13, 2022
Boulder County offices closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth
Boulder County, Colo. -- Boulder County offices will be closed on Monday, June 20, 2022, in observance of Juneteenth, which falls on Sunday, June 19 this year. On Tuesday (June 14), the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners will sign a Juneteenth Proclamation at their business meeting to raise awareness and celebrate this important event in U.S. history.
The Juneteenth flag will be flown at the Boulder County Courthouse, located at 1325 Pearl Street in Boulder, from Friday, June, 17 through to Monday, June 20. Boulder County, alongside other organizations in the county, has also contributed sponsorship to the NAACP Boulder County Branch Juneteenth events taking place over the next seven days.
“Equity and Justice are one of the Boulder County Commissioners’ five strategic priorities, and as a county and as individuals we are in the continual process of learning and acting to improve equity within our organization and throughout our community,” said Board of County Commissioners Vice-Chair Claire Levy. “We see recognition of Juneteenth as a county holiday as an important step towards improving equity by recognizing and celebrating a more accurate version of our history.”
“Formally recognizing the history of Juneteenth and the policies, structures, and history of government- induced exclusion is a way for all of us to acknowledge errors that have been committed and take action to create systemic change that will better the lives of all Black, African and African American residents in Boulder County,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Marta Loachamin. “We are appreciative of the NAACP Boulder County Chapter and all the volunteers and partner organizations for inviting Boulder County Government to join in the local work to recognize Juneteenth.”
“Juneteenth is an opportunity for Boulder County residents to raise their own awareness of the significance of this celebration in African American History and in the heritage of our nation and county. Free online resources available through organizations like the National Museum of African American History and Culture are a great place to start for people of all ages,” said Commissioner Matt Jones. “The Commissioners encourage all Boulder County residents to celebrate this significant holiday by deepening their knowledge of this significant part of our nation’s history.”
A PROCLAMATION OBSERVING JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863. Yet, news of the end of slavery did not reach the frontier areas of the United States, and in particular the Southwestern States, for over two and a half years; and
WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free; and
WHEREAS, African Americans who had been enslaved in the Southwest began celebrating June 19, commonly known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” in 1866 as inspiration and encouragement for future generations; and
WHEREAS, the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners acknowledge the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United States; and
WHEREAS, residents of Boulder County are encouraged to join the continued nationwide celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences of enslaved people that have shaped this country; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners recognizes that the celebration of Juneteenth is part of the history and heritage of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the County will fly the Juneteenth Flag to raise awareness of the celebration.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners, that June 19, 2022, is recognized as Juneteenth Independence Day and observed as a Boulder County holiday on Monday, June 20, 2022, and encourages everyone to join in celebration and solidarity and urges all residents to actively raise their own awareness of the significance of this celebration in African American History and in the heritage of our nation and county.
