City Council:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AN ANNUAL
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON OBSERVANCE
AND CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH
Whereas, in correspondence dated June 10, 2026, the Secretary of the Real Estate Committee formally requested authorization for the City of Mount Vernon to establish an annual City-hosted observance and celebration of Juneteenth, commencing on June 19, 2026, and to be held annually thereafter on June 19 in recognition of the historic significance of the holiday; and
Whereas, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date on which enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, marking a significant milestone in the history of the United States; and
Whereas, Juneteenth is recognized throughout the nation as a day to honor freedom, celebrate African American culture, heritage, and achievements, and reflect upon the continuing pursuit of liberty, equality, justice, and opportunity for all people; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon values diversity, inclusion, civic engagement, and the preservation of history, and recognizes the importance of commemorating events that have shaped the nation and the local community; and
Whereas, an annual Juneteenth observance would provide an opportunity for residents, community organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, local businesses, and public officials to come together in celebration, reflection, education, and unity; and
Whereas, such observance may include cultural performances, educational programs, historical presentations, community recognition ceremonies, youth activities, and other events that honor the significance of Juneteenth and promote community engagement; and
Whereas, the establishment of an annual City-hosted Juneteenth celebration will further demonstrate the City of Mount Vernon’s commitment to honoring our shared history, celebrating cultural diversity, and fostering a stronger and more inclusive community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York, as follows:
Section 1. Title. This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the “Annual Juneteenth Observance and Celebration Ordinance.”
Section 2. Establishment of an Annual Juneteenth Observance. The City of Mount Vernon hereby establishes an annual City-hosted observance and celebration of Juneteenth, commencing on June 19, 2026, and to be held annually thereafter on June 19 in recognition of the historic significance of the holiday.
Section 3. Purpose. The purpose of the annual Juneteenth observance shall be to:
A. Commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and honor the significance of June 19, 1865;
B. Celebrate African American history, culture, heritage, achievements, and contributions;
C. Promote public education and awareness regarding the historical significance of Juneteenth;
D. Encourage civic participation, community engagement, and cultural understanding; and
E. Foster unity, inclusion, and mutual respect among all residents of the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 4. Authorized Activities. The City may organize, sponsor, coordinate, or support activities associated with the annual observance, including but not limited to:
A. Cultural performances and artistic exhibitions;
B. Educational programs, lectures, and historical presentations;
C. Community recognition and award ceremonies;
D. Youth and family-oriented activities;
E. Faith-based and community-led commemorative programs; and
F. Other events and activities deemed appropriate to honor the significance of Juneteenth.
Section 5. Event Location and Weather Contingency. The annual Juneteenth observance may be conducted at such locations as designated by the Mayor, City Council, or the appropriate City department.
In the event that inclement weather or other conditions adversely affect any outdoor activities associated with the observance, such activities may be relocated and conducted indoors at the Doles Recreation Center or another suitable City-designated facility.
Section 6. Coordination and Implementation. The Mayor and all appropriate City departments, offices, boards, and agencies are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions necessary to implement the provisions of this Ordinance and to coordinate with community organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate the annual observance.
Section 7. Funding. The City Council may appropriate funds annually, subject to budgetary approval and availability, to support the planning, coordination, promotion, and implementation of the Juneteenth observance and related activities.
Section 8. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.
Section 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and filing in accordance with applicable law.