Benicia mayor proclaims Juneteenth; local Black Lives Matter group and incoming poet laureate mark the occasion

Mayor Steve Young read a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026, Juneteenth Freedom Day in Benicia, tracing the holiday to General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, and urging residents, schools and community groups to observe the day.

“So, this is a proclamation in recognition of Juneteenth Freedom Day, which is June 19,” Mayor Steve Young said as he read the proclamation, which cited California Assembly Bill 1749 and called for local observances.

Nancy Rothstein, who identified herself as representing Benicia Black Lives Matter, accepted the proclamation on the group’s behalf and invited the public to a screening at the Benicia Public Library. “This Juneteenth, we are happy to partner with the Benicia Public Library and the Benicia Vibe Committee to cosponsor a film screening… please join us this Saturday the 20th, 2 p.m. at the library in the Donya Room,” Rothstein said.

Library staff introduced the city’s incoming poet laureate, David Hakim, whose two-year tenure begins July 1. Hakim read a portion of an unfinished poem and offered a land acknowledgement that recognized the Patwin, Wintun and Suisun peoples. “Today, we join together for important societal and civic work, and it is vital that all of us present recognize with honor the ancestral and continuing heritage and stewardship of these lands,” Hakim said.

Why it matters: The proclamation formalizes city recognition of Juneteenth and connects the observance to local programming — a library screening and a public flag-raising announced by the mayor — while the poet laureate appointment signals continued cultural programming through the library’s events.

The council also said the city will raise the Juneteenth flag at 9 a.m. on Thursday and encouraged residents to attend.