Lake Wales leaders proclaim June 19 as Juneteenth Day amid ongoing discussions

Juneteenth Day will be officially recognized in Lake Wales, Florida, as city leaders unanimously proclaimed June 19, 2025, as a day of commemoration. This decision highlights the significance of Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in the South were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

The proclamation was supported by local leaders, including Wanda Howard from the NAACP and Dorothy Scott Wilson, who emphasized the importance of this observance in honoring African American history and culture. The first official Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas in 1866, and the holiday has since spread across the nation, becoming a vital part of American heritage.

In addition to the Juneteenth proclamation, citizens voiced concerns during the meeting about city policies. Resident Becky Weingroup urged the commission to implement a policy change that would ensure promises made by city officials to citizens are documented and communicated back to those individuals. She argued that this transparency could help resolve many issues within the community.

The meeting underscored a commitment to both honoring historical milestones and improving communication between city officials and residents, setting the stage for a more engaged and informed community.