Mayor Ron Anders and Mayor Pro Tem Beth Witten signed a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth as an important day to the community.
June 19, 2020 is the 155th anniversary of the day Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery, Witten said. June 19 was recognized by Alabama legislature in 2011.
“Whereas Juneteenth represents a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history,” Anders said. “[It] is a day that symbolizes that all Americans are recognized as full citizens and free men and celebrates African American freedom.”
The proclamation is the first step in Auburn recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth in the future, Witten said. Both Anders and Witten hope for Juneteenth to be celebrated on local, state, and national levels.
“It is an honor to be a part of the proclamation signing here today on Juneteenth,” Witten said. “I am excited to see what the City of Auburn will hold in the future regarding Juneteenth and the community coming together.”
June 19, 2020 is the first time for Auburn to recognize Juneteenth with a proclamation, Anders said. Anders and Witten both hope for community celebration in the coming years.
“This is a first step,” Anders said in a tweet. “Recognize and celebrate, but more importantly – understand."
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Charlie Ramo, junior in aerospace engineering, is the content editor of The Auburn Plainsman.
