Resolution No. 5219

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, news reached Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved persons were now released from the bondage of slavery; and

WHEREAS, June 19th has been celebrated in communities across the nation as “Juneteenth” and has also been designated “Freedom Day”, “Jubilee Day”, “Liberation Day”, and “Emancipation Day”; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth. is a holiday that acknowledge the catastrophic legacy of slavery for generations of Black/African Americans and celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States; and

WHEREAS. this day has special significance for Black/African Americans, but the historical and cultural impact of slavery and the end of this atrocity should be acknowledged by all Americans; and

WHEREAS, the Seattle Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director, and the Executive Director’s Cabinet all concur that the celebration of Juneteenth within the Seattle Housing Authority is an appropriate opportunity to renew our solidarity and commitment to antiracism, educate ourselves about the legacy of slavery and inequity, and to reaffirm our commitment to greater racial and social justice;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Seattle Housing Authority beginning in 2021, that June 19 will be an annual holiday for all Seattle Housing Authority staff and volunteers and will be celebrated as “Juneteenth”. Furthermore, if Juneteenth falls on a Saturday all staff and volunteers will celebrate the holiday on Friday, June 18. If Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, all staff and volunteers will celebrate the holiday on Monday, June 20.

ADOPTED by a majority of all members of the Board of Commissioners and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passages this 2nd day of June 2021.