Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on April 23, 2025, and signed by the Mayor on April 24, 2025, authorizing the Mount Vernon Recreation Department to Co-Sponsor the Annual Juneteenth Walk and Celebration and Interfaith Health Fair in Partnership with the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center and to Appropriate Funds for the Event - (Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; funds for this event will be reflected in Budget Code A7620.457 not to exceed $1,500); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
MOUNT VERNON RECREATION DEPARTMENT
TO CO-SPONSOR THE ANNUAL JUNETEENTH
WALK AND CELEBRATION AND INTERFAITH
HEALTH FAIR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
YUSUF SHAH ISLAMIC CENTER AND TO
APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE EVENT
Whereas, in a letter dated April 10, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation requested authorization for said Department to co-sponsor the Annual Juneteenth Walk and Celebration and the Interfaith Health Fair in partnership with the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center, to be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is a day of reflection, celebration, and recommitment to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the importance of Juneteenth and supports community-wide efforts to honor the legacy and resilience of African Americans through public commemorations; and
Whereas, the Annual Juneteenth Walk and Celebration, in partnership with the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center, has served as a meaningful expression of unity, cultural pride, and historical recognition for the Mount Vernon community; and
Whereas, the Interfaith Health Fair brings together diverse faith communities to promote health, wellness, and mutual support across all backgrounds; and
Whereas, the event scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., includes a walk beginning at City Hall, proceeding along Stevens Avenue to Gramatan Avenue, and concluding at Hartley Park, followed by the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth Flag at Hartley Park and subsequently at City Hall Plaza; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon supports the continued visibility of the Juneteenth Flag at City Hall Plaza as a lasting tribute to the significance of the celebration; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety, including the Mount Vernon Police Department, is requested to assist in ensuring the safety and orderly conduct of the walk and event; and
Whereas, funding for the event shall be made available through Budget Code A7620.457 in an amount not to exceed $1,500; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization of Co-Sponsorship. The City of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the Annual Juneteenth Walk and Celebration and the Interfaith Health Fair in partnership with the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center, to be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Section 2. Event Activities. The City shall support the walk beginning at City Hall, proceeding along Stevens Avenue to Gramatan Avenue, concluding at Hartley Park, and raising the Juneteenth Flag at Hartley Park and subsequently at City Hall Plaza.
Section 3. Flag Display. Following the event, the Juneteenth Flag shall be displayed at City Hall Plaza as a continuing symbol of remembrance and celebration.
Section 4. Interdepartmental Support. The Mount Vernon Police Department is requested to assist with safe street crossing, patrolling, and ensuring public safety during the event, subject to availability.
Section 5. Funding. Funds for the event, not to exceed $1,500, shall be allocated from Budget Code A7620.457.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.