At tonight’s City Council meeting, the Council formally recognized June 19th as Juneteenth in the City of Providence.

Helen Baskerville Dukes, President of Juneteenth Rhode Island, opened the Council meeting with an invocation and spoke briefly about the significance of the holiday. The Council then voted to approve the unanimously sponsored resolution to recognize Juneteenth in perpetuity.

“Juneteenth is an important date for our nation. On June 19, 1865, United States General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and slavery. This was a turning point in our nation’s history that we must celebrate as we acknowledge our past and continue the fight for racial equity. I look forward to celebrating Juneteenth and observing the history of slavery and freedom, oppression and progress that extends all across our nation, including here in Providence,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi.

Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866, a year after General Granger’s announcement that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. Formerly enslaved people in Texas organized ‘Jubilee Day’ to celebrate their freedom with music, dancing, prayer and feasts. The celebrations continued each year, spreading throughout the country and evolving into what is now recognized as the official holiday of Juneteenth.

“Juneteenth serves as a day of joy and reflection. We remember the horrors of slavery, and the disparities that still exist today. But we also rejoice in the emancipation of enslaved populations, and energize ourselves to keep pushing forward in the fight for freedom and equality. For generations, enslaved people and their descendants have made countless contributions to our country. It is time for us to recognize and celebrate this history,” added Senior Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).

The United States Congress has recognized the cultural and historical significance of Juneteenth as part of the history and heritage of the United States by passing a bill this week establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Earlier today, President Joseph R. Biden signed that bill into law; federal offices will be closed tomorrow in observance.

“I am proud to see the progress our City and country has made in recognizing the major role that enslaved people and generations of African Americans have played in our collective history. I look forward to celebrating Juneteenth as a City and as a nation this weekend,” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune.

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza signed an executive order on Tuesday, June 14th recognizing Juneteenth as a City holiday and ordering City Hall closed tomorrow.

“The City Council has taken a decisive step to make Providence a place where the history and truths of communities of color are recognized and celebrated. Juneteenth embodies a cornerstone of American history, and it’s powerful to see that it is now being codified at the National and local level,” added Councilman John Goncalves.

An ordinance that would make the holiday an official and permanent paid holiday in the City is currently under consideration by the City Council Finance committee.

“Juneteenth is an historically significant day that should be celebrated and embraced as a permanent and legal government observance,” stated the Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “There are important lessons to be learned, and establishing Juneteenth as a legal holiday in the City is the proper vehicle by which to achieve this goal. We as a city will only grow better and stronger as we recognize the full breadth of our collective heritage, and celebrating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans is fundamental to achieving a more equitable society.

Ryan noted that the Finance Committee will review the nuances of ensuring that this holiday remains a permanent date “for all to celebrate and to ensure that contractual obligations, notifications, City services and policy issues are delivered and are accounted for.”

Members of the City Council will be joining community members at Juneteenth celebrations throughout the weekend.