During a recent government meeting, Mayor Catherine S. Reed of the City of Fairfax officially proclaimed June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth, urging residents to participate in a celebration at Old Town Square on June 15. This proclamation highlights the significance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the arrival of Union General Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation that freed enslaved individuals.

The mayor emphasized the historical importance of Juneteenth, noting its recognition as a federal holiday since President Joe Biden signed legislation in June 2021. This marked the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983. The proclamation also acknowledged the advocacy of 89-year-old Opal Lee, whose efforts included a walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to promote the holiday.

In her remarks, Mayor Reed reflected on the journey of Black Americans from enslavement to full citizenship, recognizing the ongoing struggle for racial justice. She invited the community to join in celebrating the legacy of freedom that Juneteenth represents, reinforcing the importance of unity and progress within the community. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the support received in recognizing this significant occasion.