Title
Resolution to Approve the City of Ann Arbor's Operational Adoption of Juneteenth as a Recognized and Commemorated Annual Holiday (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19,1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the state of Texas and other parts of the southwest. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or a special day of observance in 45 states. It is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States of America.
The attached Resolution authorizes the City Administrator to execute the third Saturday in June as a City holiday to celebrate Juneteenth beginning June 19, 2021. City leadership and employees will observe the Juneteenth celebration the Friday before the City holiday. City Hall buildings will be closed due to observance of the holiday.
Union Impact: The City will need to work with the unions to implement the holiday.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The estimated cost to add this holiday in FY21 is up to $85,266. Of this amount, $71,563 will be funded from the General Fund and the remaining amount ($13,703) shall be funded from the Enterprise Funds
Staff
Prepared by: Sharie Sell, Human Resources Services Partner
Reviewed by: Thomas Guajardo, Director of HR & Labor Relations
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Juneteenth is a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States, following its establishment on the North American mainland in 1619;
Whereas, Juneteenth is officially celebrated in the State of Michigan;
Whereas, United Sates Army Major General Gordon Granger landed at the port city of Galveston, Texas in June 1865, following the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia on April 9, 1865;
Whereas, Major General Granger announced on June 19, 1865, General Order No. 3, that reads in part:
"...
Click here for full text