City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4,
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 10,
2026, ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING
AN ANNUAL CITY OF MOUNT VERNON OBSERVANCE
AND CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH" TO REVISE
THE DATE OF THE ANNUAL CITY-SPONSORED
OBSERVANCE AND CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH
Whereas, by correspondence submitted to the City of Mount Vernon dated August 12, 2026, a request was made for the establishment of an annual City-sponsored observance and celebration of Juneteenth; and
Whereas, said request was approved by the City of Mount Vernon on June 10, 2026; and
Whereas, the City now seeks to revise the approved ordinance to clarify that the annual City-sponsored Juneteenth observance and celebration shall be held on the third Saturday in June of each year, rather than annually on the 19th day of June; and
Whereas, for purposes of the inaugural observance in 2026, the celebration shall begin on Friday, June 19, 2026, in recognition of the historical significance of June 19, 1865, and shall continue with the principal annual observance on the third Saturday in June, as determined by the City; and
Whereas, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, marking a significant milestone in the history of the United States and in the ongoing pursuit of liberty, equality, and justice; and
Whereas, Juneteenth provides an important opportunity for residents and the broader community to reflect upon the nation's history, celebrate African American culture, heritage, and achievements, and promote education, understanding, unity, and community engagement; and
Whereas, establishing an annual City-sponsored Juneteenth observance will provide the City of Mount Vernon with an opportunity to bring residents, community organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, local leaders, and other community stakeholders together i...
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