SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council are proud to observe Juneteenth this year as an official federal and local holiday. In 2021, Congress passed legislation to designate Juneteenth as a national holiday, with President Biden signing the bill into law making Juneteenth the first new federal holiday in four decades. Governor DeWine joined Congress and the President in declaring Juneteenth a formal holiday in the State of Ohio.
Though the holiday was only recently formalized, Juneteenth has been celebrated annually across the country for more than 150 years. Juneteenth commemorates the Union Army’s final announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation ending the enslavement of Black people in the Confederate controlled South. The Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863 at the height of the Civil War, but word did not reach Galveston, Texas until June 19, 1865, after the war ended.
“Observing and celebrating Juneteenth is more than important—it is necessary. The progress highlighted by the holiday is underscored by the need to be intentional about recognizing our painful past and our continuing need to evolve,” said Executive Shapiro.
In 2021, Summit County Council passed legislation sponsored by Executive Shapiro and Councilwoman Veronica Sims recognizing Juneteenth and amending the list of County holidays. “Recognizing the importance of this date and what it stands for demonstrates to our community that Black history is powerful and valued. I encourage Summit County residents to participate in Juneteenth activities while still being mindful that we have much work yet to do,” said Councilwoman Sims.
For more information about Juneteenth, click here: https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth
For a list of local activities honoring Juneteenth, click here:
Community Talk Back, June 18, 10:30am at the Perkins Stone Mansion
24th Annual Akron Juneteenth Festival, June 19, 1:00pm at Stoner/Hawkins Park
