City Of Takoma Police Department: A Message From City Manager Fox Regarding Juneteenth

Takoma Park MD

20 June, 2022

11:38 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Takoma Police Department : Friday, June 17, 2022 Dear Takoma Park Residents, Sunday, June 19, is the second anniversary of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States. We are proud that in the Fall of 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2021-41 recognizing Juneteenth as an annual day of remembrance and a paid City holiday for staff. Despite its recent commemoration as a nationally recognized day, the origins of Juneteenth and subsequent celebrations date back more than 150 years ago. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to free enslaved people in the Southern secessionist states. However, due to the delay in communication and enforcement of the Proclamation, Texas—the westernmost state in the Confederacy—was the last location reached by Union troops tasked with making the announcement. Because of this delay, slavery did not cease in the state until June 19, 1865, more than two years later, when Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for all enslaved Texans. June 19th is a day worth celebrating and a day of recognition. However, as a nation, we still have so far to go to not just acknowledge but address the racial disparities many diverse communities and communities of color face. I encourage you all to join our organization's journey in building a better inclusive community that is safe and welcoming for all. As an organization, we acknowledge the systems of oppression that have historically impacted the Black community. Still, we will not allow that history to impact how we support you and serve our residents, regardless of your sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender identity, disability status, or if you're new to the country and living in our community. We want everyone to feel safe and secure from systemic racism or discrimination—which we will never tolerate! We will continue in our goal of building an organization committed to creating a workforce that not only reflects our community but one where you feel appreciated, heard, and empowered. This will take all of your support, assistance, and sacrifice in the weeks and months ahead. While you enjoy the extended weekend with your family and loved ones, I hope you take the time to reflect on the holiday's origin and our nation's past and recommit to our shared values on racial equity. Although we have come a long way, there's still more work to ensure equality for everyone that calls America home. Have an excellent holiday weekend, and let's continue striving for progress in dismantling systemic barriers that diverse communities and communities of color face daily. Regards, Jamal T. Fox, MPA Takoma Park City Manager This press release was produced by the City of Takoma Police Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.