Title
Honoring and recognizing the national holiday Juneteenth 2026 as an annual celebration of Black Freedom, Liberation, and Resilience in the City of Saint Paul
Body
WHEREAS Juneteenth also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, commemorates the emancipation of African American descendants of chattel slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS the path to Juneteenth began on "Freedom's Eve," December 31, 1862, when enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches, homes, and community spaces across the nation in anticipation of the Emancipation Proclamation taking effect at midnight on January 1, 1863; and
WHEREAS although the Emancipation Proclamation declared enslaved people in Confederate states legally free, its enforcement depended upon the presence of Union forces, leaving many enslaved people in bondage until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans, giving rise to the celebration now known as Juneteenth; and
WHEREAS the years following emancipation reflected both the promise and challenges of freedom, as formerly enslaved people reunited families, established schools and businesses, built institutions, and pursued self-determination despite persistent barriers and broken promises; and
WHEREAS generations of Black Americans endured and resisted systems of racial discrimination, including racial violence, segregation, redlining, and other policies and practices whose impacts continue to shape communities today; and
WHEREAS in Saint Paul, systemic discrimination was perpetuated through racial covenants redlining, unequal access to housing and economic opportunity, environmental injustice, and the destruction of the historic Rondo neighborhood, the heart of Saint Paul's Black business, residential, cultural, and spiritual life for the construction of Interstate 94; and
WHEREAS recognizing that freedom is strengthened through action, the City of Saint Paul remains committed to advancing racial equity through investments in people and place, empowering Black youth to realize their full potential, and examining policies, practices, and systems through an equity lens to remove barriers, foster opportunity, and build a stronger future for generations to come; and
WHEREAS Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black communities since the late nineteenth century and is now recognized as our nation's Second Independence Day a time to honor the enduring pursuit of freedom, justice, opportunity, and belonging; and
WHEREAS the City of Saint Paul uplifts the many Juneteenth celebrations, educational opportunities, and cultural events hosted by community organizations, Black leaders, and neighborhood partners that foster learning, reflection, and community connection; and
WHEREAS in honor of Juneteenth, the City of Saint Paul recognizes and uplifts the work of 30,000 Feet, a Saint Paul-based organization co-founded by Kevin Robinson and Vanessa Young with a vision of empowering African American youth through culture, art, technology, and social justice, and whose staff, leadership, and volunteers demonstrate an unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in our community; and
WHEREAS through programs that have contributed to increased academic achievement, improved school attendance, reduced suspensions, expanded workforce opportunities for youth, and meaningful returns on community investment, 30,000 Feet continues to create pathways to opportunity and success for Saint Paul youth, helping young people thrive both inside and outside the classroom while advancing a future where every child has the support, confidence, and resources needed to reach their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS the City of Saint Paul also recognizes the transformative work of the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant, founded by Angel T. Jones, a community-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization redefining pageantry as a platform for leadership, wellness, cultural pride, and generational empowerment. We extend a special congratulations to the 2026 winners, Little Miss Juneteenth: Asmara Constantino of Saint Paul, Junior Miss Juneteenth: Wynter Frost of Bloomington, Teen Miss Juneteenth: Ayla Porter of Minneapolis, Miss Juneteenth: Aaliyah Murray of Minneapolis, Ms. Juneteenth: Ebony Wilson-Sinkfield of Minneapolis, Madam Juneteenth: Mariah Hutton of Hopkins, First Lady Juneteenth: Zina Alston Fizer of Plymouth, Mister Juneteeenth, Isaac Abatan of Rosemount and Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota Jorden Redding of Bloomington;and
WHEREAS the Miss & Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant and Life-Skills Workshops create a meaningful leadership and wellness pipeline that uplifts Black youth and families through education, mentorship, mental health awareness, career exposure, financial literacy, and opportunities that affirm the brilliance, history, and future of Black communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Saint Paul City Council encourages all residents to commemorate Juneteenth by learning about its history and significance, participating in educational and cultural events, engaging in meaningful reflection on the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice, supporting Black-owned businesses and community institutions on the East Side and throughout the City of Saint Paul, celebrating Black culture and achievement, and continuing the collective work of building a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous city for present and future generations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council honors and recognizes Friday June 19th, 2026 as Juneteenth, an annual celebration of Black Freedom, Liberation, and Resilience in the City of Saint Paul.