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Savannah reaffirms Juneteenth as municipal holiday, invites residents to June 19 walk
Summary
Mayor Van R. Johnson II proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth (Juneteenth National Independence Day) for the city of Savannah and invited residents to a Juneteenth walk; aldermen recalled local historical context and encouraged participation in commemorations.
Mayor Van R. Johnson II read a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Independence Day in the city of Savannah and urged residents to join city observances, including a two‑mile Juneteenth walk from Wells Park to the river on June 19.
The proclamation recited the history of June 19, 1865, when Union troops announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, and noted that Savannah recognized the day municipally in 2020. The mayor invited council and staff to join the city’s Juneteenth walk and asked departments to participate.
Alderman Bernetta B. Lane (first reference: council roll) described Savannah’s longer local history with emancipation and urged residents to attend local celebrations. "We were partying here in Savannah. We were free," she said, recounting how news of emancipation reached different parts of the country at different times and noting Savannah’s early municipal recognition of the holiday.
Council emphasized community events planned across the city and reminded residents that the Juneteenth walk would gather at 8:30 a.m. at Wells Park and proceed two miles to the river. Staff stated transportation accommodations would be available for participants with mobility or transportation challenges.
The proclamation was entered into the record and the council encouraged broad civic participation in Juneteenth events; no legislative change was attached to the proclamation.
