Board Resolution Designates June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Independence Day

San Diego County Board of Education Designates June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Independence Day. Resolution No. 2026-22 reads:

WHEREAS news of the end of slavery did not reach the frontier areas of the United States, in particular the State of Texas and the other southwestern states, until months after the conclusion of the Civil War, more than 2.5 years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, reflecting the systemic barriers and inequities that prolonged the oppression of enslaved African Americans; and

WHEREAS on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the more that 250,000 African Americans still enslaved in Texas were legally free, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom, justice, and human dignity; and

WHEREAS African Americans who had been enslaved in the Southwest began celebrating June 19, now known as Juneteenth Independence Day, as powerful affirmation of liberation, resilience, and cultural identity; and

WHEREAS African Americans from the Southwest and across the nation have continued the tradition of observing Juneteenth for more than 150 years, preserving its legacy as a celebration of freedom, community, and the ongoing pursuit of equity; and

WHEREAS the United States Congress has designated June 19 as “Juneteenth Independence Day” and Juneteenth is now celebrated in nearly every state as a day of observance, recognizing the emancipation of enslaved Africans and honoring their enduring contributions to the nation; and

WHEREAS Black history is American history and as educational leaders we have a responsibility to ensure that students learn — throughout the entire year — about the histories, contributions, innovations, and leadership of Black Americans, as well as the systemic inequities that have shaped and continue to impact our society; and

WHEREAS Juneteenth provides an opportunity for the people of the United States — regardless of race, ethnicity, or background — to deepen their understanding of the nation’s history, to reckon with the legacy of slavery and its lasting impacts, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive education; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Diego County Board of Education designates June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Independence Day, and encourages educators, students, and community members to engage in learning, reflection, and activities that honor the significance of this day.