City Of Louisville: Mayor Fischer Signs Ordinance To Codify The Juneteenth Jubilee Commission To Help Organize Annual Events

Press release from the City of Louisville:

February 24, 2022

Call the LOU HEALTH helpline 502-912-8598.

 Look for this logo in the lower right corner on every page and click it.

Furthering his commitment to honoring Juneteenth, Mayor Greg Fischer today signed an ordinance to codify the 15-member Juneteenth Jubilee Commission as an official city commission, which will help organize events celebrating Juneteenth’s historical significance in Louisville.

Held on June 19, Juneteenth is the oldest known holiday commemorating the final communication of the abolition of slavery in the United States. In June of 2020, the Mayor signed an executive order recognizing the day as an official holiday for Louisville Metro Government (LMG) workers, effective 2021. Metro Council approved the ordinance to codify the commission on Feb. 17, 2022. Councilwoman Paula McCraney, D-7, was lead sponsor of the measure, which was co-sponsored by Councilwomen Barbara Shanklin, D-2, Keisha Dorsey, D-3, and Donna Purvis, D-5, as well as Councilman Jecorey Arthur, D-4,  and Council President David James, D-6.

“Juneteenth is part of our shared history. The proud moments and the painful,” the Mayor said. “Signing this ordinance ensures Juneteenth’s prominent place in Louisville and my hope is that this commemoration will serve as a time for learning and a commitment to a beautifully diverse America where Black history is understood by all as American history.”

The 15-member commission includes representatives from the Metro Council, the business community, arts, educational and faith institutions, and others. They will be charged with reviewing opportunities for expanding access to educational programming and developing cultural events for Juneteenth 2022 and into the future – to raise community awareness of Juneteenth’s significance.

In addition, the commission will help develop a budget and secure sponsorships and other funding needed to produce the celebration, in coordination with Waterfront Park, Metro Council and LMG. The commission will work to present events that will highlight Black-owned businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and wealth building, and showcase historically black colleges and universities.

Last year’s Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration events included a youth day camp, panel discussions, acts of service, a wellness fair, live musical performances at Fourth Street Live and a worship service.

The Mayor was joined today by Councilwoman McCraney, Chief Equity Officer Michael Meeks, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Executive Director Aukram Burton, who outlined the history of Juneteenth, and Deborah Bilitski with Waterfront Park, along with other members of Metro Council and members of the commission.

“This legislation creating the Juneteenth Jubilee Commission is rare, historical and significant. I can't think of a greater cause for celebration than learning that one is free from slavery,” Councilwoman McCraney said. “It's fitting to sign this ordinance into law today during Black History Month. It's a reminder to all that Black History is under threat, but those of us who care about American history, which Black History is, will continue to support programs and events that reflect the unique contributions of African Americans.”

"Our city, state, and nation were built by enslaved people,” said Councilman Arthur. “Juneteenth is a day to not only educate people about that, but celebrate the accomplishments of those ancestors and their descendants, while continuing the fight for reparative justice. I'm proud we started the Juneteenth Jubilee in 2019 and now it will live on for years to come as an official city commission."

The Juneteenth 2022 event schedule will be posted at https://juneteenthlou.com/ closer to the holiday.

Enter required fields

How do you want to be reminded? (Street Sweeping requires at least an email)

Reminders are sent on the Sunday before and the Friday of your Junk Set Out date.

* is required. By subscribing to this reminder service you agree to the Terms of Use.

To unsubscribe go to Gov Delivery.

Enter your address and MyLouisville will find nearby city services in the following
categories:

Find your garbage, recycling, yard waste and large-item set-out dates.
Sign up for large-item set out and street sweeping reminders by email and text!

No form has been selected.

Popular Pages

Popular Tools

This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.