Juneteenth 2021 Proclamation

Juneteenth Proclamation  

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the annual observance of the end of slavery in the United States, which happened on June 19, 1865; and  

WHEREAS, Juneteenth continues to be the most recognized African-American holiday observance in the United States, and honors the survival and God-given strength and determination of African Americans; and 

WHEREAS, Americans of all colors, creeds, cultures, religions and countries-of-origin, share in a common love of and respect for “freedom” as well as a determination to protect their right to freedom through democratic institutions, by which the “tenets-of-freedom” are guaranteed and protected; and 

WHEREAS, On Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to the work of equity, equality, and justice.  We celebrate the centuries of struggle, courage, and hope that have brought us to this time of progress and possibility. 

WHEREAS, United States President Joseph R. Biden officially recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021; and 

WHEREAS, Upper Darby is fortunate to have a diverse community that has come together today to recognize the importance of Juneteenth with the inaugural Juneteenth Observance & Community Fair. We are grateful to Reverend Dr. Malcolm Byrd and Pastor Nathaniel Goodson for their efforts in coordinating this event, which embraces Juneteenth as a day of both solemn reflection and joyful celebration of equality and freedom; 

NOW, THEREFORE I, Barbarann Keffer, Mayor of Upper Darby Township, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2021 as

Juneteenth 

in Upper Darby and encourage the entire community to recognize and participate in its observance.

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Barbarann Keffer, Mayor

Upper Darby Township

Delaware County, Pennsylvania