Milwaukee County to recognize Juneteenth
June 19 will become a floating holiday for Milwaukee County employees in recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
The measure, announced in a joint statement from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, is “part of Milwaukee County’s efforts to achieve racial equity and be the healthiest county in Wisconsin.”
“The County recognizes that Milwaukee and the nation are presently facing two public health emergencies, one acute emergency caused by COVID-19 and one deep-rooted emergency caused by racism,” the statement said. “Milwaukee County is committed to working toward equity and shifting its own institutional power to demonstrate leadership in dismantling white supremacy and racist policies and practices.”
Crowley said in the statement that Juneteenth recognizes the African American community’s rich history and culture and centuries-long struggle for civil rights.
The measure was implemented through an executive order and will be introduced to the County Board of Supervisors in the July cycle to make it a permanent floating holiday, according to the statement.
This is Milwaukee’s 49th annual Juneteenth Celebration, though the coronavirus forced the cancellation of the parade and street festival, according to the statement. Organizers say a Freedom Ball will take place later this year.