Happy Juneteenth, Redwood City.
Today celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. It specifically marks June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free under the terms of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden on June 19, 2021.
As the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth is an opportunity to acknowledge the suffering caused by slavery, celebrate African American culture and history, and continue fighting for racial equality.
San Mateo County's Board of Supervisors formally recognized Juneteenth last month.
Currently, San Mateo County's Juneteenth flag is flying high above the County Center— the County raised it for the first time last year. It depicts a white star surrounded by a starburst to represent Texas and the freedom of Black Americans in all states, a curved line behind the star representing a new horizon, and red, white and blue colors taken from the flag of the United States. It was raised earlier this month, at a ceremony on June 2.
At the flag raising event earlier this month, Dana Johnson, San Mateo County's LGBTQ+ Commissioner delivered remarks. Johnson is a community activist, author and documentary filmmaker. As a non-binary, masculine-presenting person of color, Johnson said they hope to empower African-American people who intersect with the LGBTQIA community.
"Our recognition of Juneteenth is not merely an isolated act. Rather, it is part of a larger effort, interwoven with our ongoing dedication to creating a community that embraces diversity and affirms the rights and dignities of all residents," said Johnson.
There will be a short film screening and conversation commemorating Juneteenth and the Black experience in America this coming Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Chan Zuckerberg initiative Community Space at 801 Jefferson Ave in Redwood City.
Thank you Beverly Morgan for today's photo. If you'd like to send us a photo or would like to let us know about something happening in the community, send us an email. Don't forget to read the headlines below.
Avery