2581 ORDINANCE NO. Z S
AN ORDINANCE MAKING JUNETEENTH A RECOGNIZE CITY HOLIDAY
AND OBSERVED FOR THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES:
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on
January 1, 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate territory free, paving the way for the
passing of the 13" Amendment which formally abolished slavery in the United States of
America: and
WHEREAS,Word about the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation did not reach
authorities and enslaved African Americans in the South and Southwestern United States until
June 19, 1865,two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; and
WHEREAS, In 1997,the United States Congress passed Senate Joint Resolution 11 and
House Joint Resolution 56,officially recognizing Juneteenth Independence Day; and
WHEREAS,June 1911 which became known as Juneteenth is a celebration of African
American freedom and achievement; and
WHEREAS,this year Juneteenth carries even more resonance as people of all races
across the United States and all around the world protest systemic racism and proclaim that
Black Lives Matter.
WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of West Memphis urges and encourage the
State of Arkansas to proclaim Juneteenth a state holiday, adopting this ordinance will further the
cause in repairing the past and assuring justice and equality of African Americans with
promoting heritage, responsibility and accountability; and
WHEREAS, West Memphis is a united city with a large African American population,
we are urging all citizens recognize Juneteenth as a significant day for African Americans and
American History in the City of West Memphis. June 19`^will serve as an official off day for
West Memphis city employees; and
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,ARKANSAS: that June 19`h, known as Juneteenth is an official
recognize City of West Memphis holiday and we urge all citizens to give special recognition
every year on this day.
PASSED this/ /rr
day of�f•/�� 12020
MARCO D. McCLENDON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JA S POLLIADM, CITY CLERK
SPONSORED BY: