New Rochelle mayor proclaims Juneteenth Day, honors community leaders at city ceremony

Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth Day in New Rochelle and presented ceremonial recognitions for Reverend Doctor Allen Paul Weaver Jr., Bethesda Baptist Church and the Gathering of Men of New Rochelle during a Juneteenth observance hosted by the city in June 2025.

The proclamation, read by Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, said in part that "Juneteenth is more than a commemoration of the past. It is a call to action and accountability, reminding us to protect freedom, expand opportunity, and ensure that the rights and freedoms of all people are fully realized and protected." The mayor urged residents to observe the day "with reflection, celebration, and continued commitment to equity and freedom for all."

The event included a keynote history of Juneteenth by Elder Mark McLean, remarks from city officials and ceremonial presentations. McLean described Juneteenth as rooted in the delayed enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, and said the holiday "represents the resilience and the faith and the strength of African people." He summarized the moment when General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston in June 1865, which informed formerly enslaved people in Texas that the Emancipation Proclamation applied to them.

City Manager Wilfredo Melendez thanked staff and the African American Advisory Committee for organizing the event and encouraged attendees to reflect on the holiday's significance beyond treating it as a day off. Several City Council members attended, including Council members David Peters, Shane Austin Loyer, Sarah Kaye and Matt Stern.

As part of the program Mayor Ramos-Herbert read an official recognition honoring Reverend Doctor Allen Paul Weaver Jr. The proclamation noted Weaver's decades of ministry, including 43 years as pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, his academic work and civic involvement. Family members accepted the recognition; Weaver's son said, "My father loved New Rochelle and he loved the people of New Rochelle," and noted that Weaver died on Juneteenth two years earlier.

The mayor also recognized the Gathering of Men of New Rochelle Incorporated, noting the group's founding in November 2011 and its work in mentorship, leadership development, scholarships and community events such as Kwanzaa celebrations and awards for "phenomenal black women." Deacon David Peters and other members accepted the recognition and described continuing partnerships with Bethesda Baptist Church and other local groups to support youth and families.

The program closed with a prayer and refreshments. The proclamations and recognitions were ceremonial; no formal votes or policy actions were recorded during the event.