Missoula Issues Juneteenth Proclamation
Juneteenth was a federal holiday created after Black Lives Matter riots recked havoc on America in 2020.
The Missoula City Council issued a proclamation on Monday recognizing Juneteenth Independence Day.
Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Texas after the Civil War to let the slaves know that slavery ended.
The proclamation says, “Missoula County and the City of Missoula acknowledge the lasting impacts of racism in the United States, fueled largely by the horrific institution of slavery.”
It also adds “the character demonstrated by former slaves should inspire us in this country to give thanks for the freedom won by so many people in all nations and to strive for the goals of bringing freedom and democracy to people of other countries no matter what their race or religion.”
The proclamation further states that, although this day is beginning to be recognized as a national and global event, “the history behind the celebration should not be forgotten.”
“Montana proudly joins the 50 states and the District of Columbia in observing Juneteenth as a state or ceremonial holiday,” the proclamation says.
To celebrate the day, Mayor Andrea Davis highlighted an upcoming event on Thursday at Fort Missoula, organized by the Montana Black Collective Missoula. This organization describes itself as “dedicated to community support, cultural heritage protection, and personal growth development for persons of African ancestry living in Missoula.”
She added that the city recognizes Juneteenth as a holiday, and its offices will be closed on that day. As a state, Montana doesn’t recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday.
Historically, Juneteenth had primarily been celebrated in the African American community; however, on June 21, 2021, former President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which created a federal holiday commemorating the day.
Before becoming a national holiday, 47 states and the District of Columbia recognized it as an official state holiday or observance.
Juneteenth became a national holiday in the wake of the Black Lives Matter rioters who damaged American cities protesting the death of George Floyd.
Axios reported in June 2021 these riots across America resulted in the insurance industry paying between $1 billion and $2 billion worth of insurance claims due to arson, looting and vandalism. The insurance industry paid out more in damages for these riots than it did for the Rodney King riots in 1992, the outlet said.
In Minnesota, where the riots initiated, the city suffered over $500 million in property damage and over 1,000 buildings were damaged, according to the Minnesota Reformer.
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Zachery Schmidt is the founder of The Montana Chronicles. If you have any tips, please send them to montanachronicles@proton.me.