WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas under General Order No. 3 to enforce President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation; and
WHEREAS, on the anniversary of the Galveston announcement, the State of Alaska celebrates Juneteenth as a homage to the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, and people of all races, nationalities, and religions join on this day to acknowledge a period in our history that shaped, and continues to influence, our society today; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate African American heritage through gatherings, parades, historical reenactments, traditional musical performances, and readings by African American writers, and although Juneteenth is a time for rejoicing, it is also an opportunity for reflection, self-improvement, and planning for the future; and
WHEREAS, this is a day to recognize the evils of slavery, honor and respect the devastating impact slavery imposed on African Americans and our country as a whole, and engage in conversation to learn from our history; and
WHEREAS, let us all come together to listen, to learn, and to grow, as we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the inalienable rights outlined in our nation’s constitution – the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 17, 2023 as:
Juneteenth Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to reflect on the importance of this day that marked the end of slavery and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of guaranteeing liberty for all Americans.
Dated: June 17, 2023
