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 in celebration, reflection, education, and unity; and
Whereas, the annual observance may include cultural performances, educational programming, community recognition, historical presentations, artistic and cultural activities, and other appropriate programs that honor the significance of Juneteenth and its historical and cultural importance; and
Whereas, the City desires to formally recognize and celebrate Juneteenth each year on the third Saturday in June, using the occasion to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, celebrate African American heritage and accomplishments, and encourage meaningful dialogue and community involvement; and
Whereas, in the event that weather conditions adversely affect outdoor activities associated with the Juneteenth observance, the City may relocate such activities indoors to the Doles Recreation Center, subject to availability and the coordination of the appropriate City departments; and
Whereas, the correspondence requesting and supporting this revision was submitted by the Legislative Assistant, and the prior reference identifying the Secretary of the Real Estate Committee as the submitting party should be corrected accordingly; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the annual observance and celebration of Juneteenth serves the public interest and is consistent with the City's commitment to honoring shared history, celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and strengthening community relationships; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact as follows:
Section 1. Amendment and Revision of Approved Ordinance. The ordinance approved by the City of Mount Vernon on June 10, 2026, under TMP 2165, concerning the annual City-sponsored observance and celebration of Juneteenth, is hereby revised and amended to provide that the City shall recognize and celebrate Juneteenth annually on the third Saturday in June.
Section 2. Inaugural 2026 Observance. For the inaugural observance under this revised schedule, the City-sponsored Juneteenth celebration shall commence on Friday, June 19, 2026, with the principal annual observance to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, which is the third Saturday in June 2026.
Section 3. Annual Date of Observance. Beginning in 2027 and in each year thereafter, the City of Mount Vernon shall conduct its annual City-sponsored Juneteenth observance and celebration on the third Saturday in June, with the specific date and schedule to be coordinated by the appropriate City departments.
Section 4. Purpose and Activities. The annual Juneteenth observance shall provide an opportunity for the City and the community to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, honor African American history and heritage, celebrate cultural achievements, and promote education, unity, equality, and meaningful community engagement.
Activities may include, but shall not be limited to, cultural performances, educational programs, historical presentations, community recognition ceremonies, music, artistic presentations, youth activities, and other appropriate events consistent with the purpose of the observance.
Section 5. Weather Contingency and Alternate Location. If weather conditions adversely affect outdoor activities planned in connection with the Juneteenth observance, the City may relocate the affected activities to an appropriate indoor facility, including the Doles Recreation Center, subject to facility availability, scheduling, and the determination of the appropriate City departments.
Section 6. Correction of Submitting Party. Any reference in the June 10, 2026 approved ordinance or related documentation identifying the Secretary of the Real Estate Committee as the person who submitted the correspondence requesting the Juneteenth observance shall be corrected to identify the Legislative Assistant as the submitting party.
Section 7. Departmental Coordination. The appropriate City departments are hereby authorized and directed to coordinate such activities, facilities, staffing, public safety, sanitation, recreation services, and other municipal support as may be necessary and appropriate for the annual Juneteenth observance, subject to applicable laws, rules, regulations, budgetary limitations, and required City approvals.
Section 8. No Other Changes. Except as expressly revised or amended herein, all other provisions, authorizations, and terms of the ordinance approved on June 10, 2026, under TMP 2165, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
Section 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval and adoption by the City Council in accordance with applicable law and shall govern the City’s annual Juneteenth observance beginning with the 2026 observance.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the City of Mount Vernon hereby formally recognizes Juneteenth as an annual City-sponsored observance and celebration and reaffirms its commitment to honoring the history, heritage, contributions, and achievements of African Americans and to fostering a stronger, more inclusive, and united community.