Juneteenth and Volusia County Government
The Issue
On June 30, 1970, the Volusia County Charter Government was established and approved by the citizens/voters and went into effect on January 1, 1971.
Sec. 86-513 of the Volusia County Charter has established nine holidays in which County offices are closed to the public, and all non-essential staff receive paid holiday leave. These holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday following Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
On September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97, which declared Veterans Day as a federal holiday in the United States. The law took effect on November 11th, 1978, which is when the first Veterans Day was observed as a federal holiday. The recognition of Veterans Day as a federal holiday was intended to honor and thank all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bill (Pub. L. 117-17) which made Juneteenth a federal holiday in the United States. The law took effect immediately, and the first federal holiday honoring Juneteenth was celebrated on June 19, 2021.
On October 18, 2022, the Volusia County Council amended its Home Charter Rule to include Veteran's Day as a paid holiday, which was observed on November 10, 2022, with the closure of all non-essential offices. This decision reflects the council's recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of veterans and provides county employees with the opportunity to honor and celebrate this important holiday.
It is important to note that the Council’s decision to add Veteran’s Day to their list of observed holidays does not impact their ability to recognize and add Juneteenth as a holiday in Volusia County.
Although I cannot accurately determine why the Volusia County Council choose not to add Juneteenth to its list of observed holidays, I can provide some contextual information regarding the importance of Juneteenth to this nation and why I believe that this national holiday should be added to the list of holidays observed by the Volusia County government.
It is vital to remember that during the American Revolution (April 19, 1775, to September 3, 1783) enslaved African Americans fought in the Continental Army. With the assistance of these African American soldiers, America was able to successfully bring an end to British rule, allowing the then 13 American colonies to declare their independence which is why the 4th of July has been established as a federal holiday and one that Volusia County Government recognizes and observes.
But, although enslaved African Americans fought for this country’s freedom in this and other wars, African Americans were still considered to be the property of their slave owners and did not gain their freedom and independence until June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is a celebration that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that the Civil War had ended and that they were free. This event, which occurred more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, marked a significant moment in American history and the end of one of the darkest periods in the country's history.
Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans for over a century, but it was not until recently that it gained wider recognition across the country. When President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a federal holiday this action recognized the importance of Juneteenth in American history and acknowledged the contributions of African Americans to the country's development.
As a result of the federal recognition, many cities and counties across the United States have also recognized Juneteenth as a holiday. However, some have yet to follow suit, including Volusia County Government.
Given the significance of Juneteenth in American history, it is essential that the county recognizes this holiday and observes it as a paid day off for its employees.
Not only does recognizing Juneteenth demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, but it also allows the county's residents, including those of African American descent, to learn and celebrate an essential part of the African American heritage. Furthermore, it sends a message that Volusia County acknowledges the harm caused by slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in this country.
In conclusion, while the reasons behind the Volusia County Council's decision not to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday are unclear, it is vital for the county government to recognize that this holiday is as important to Americans as is all other holidays that have received recognition from Volusia County government. This recognition would be a meaningful step towards promoting diversity, and inclusivity, and acknowledging the contributions and struggles of African Americans not only in America but also in Volusia County. Therefore, it is essential for the Volusia County Council to reconsider its decision and take action to recognize and observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday for their employees and join the many other cities and counties across the country in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the community and celebrate this important holiday in American history
The Issue
On June 30, 1970, the Volusia County Charter Government was established and approved by the citizens/voters and went into effect on January 1, 1971.
Sec. 86-513 of the Volusia County Charter has established nine holidays in which County offices are closed to the public, and all non-essential staff receive paid holiday leave. These holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday following Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
On September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97, which declared Veterans Day as a federal holiday in the United States. The law took effect on November 11th, 1978, which is when the first Veterans Day was observed as a federal holiday. The recognition of Veterans Day as a federal holiday was intended to honor and thank all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bill (Pub. L. 117-17) which made Juneteenth a federal holiday in the United States. The law took effect immediately, and the first federal holiday honoring Juneteenth was celebrated on June 19, 2021.
On October 18, 2022, the Volusia County Council amended its Home Charter Rule to include Veteran's Day as a paid holiday, which was observed on November 10, 2022, with the closure of all non-essential offices. This decision reflects the council's recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of veterans and provides county employees with the opportunity to honor and celebrate this important holiday.
It is important to note that the Council’s decision to add Veteran’s Day to their list of observed holidays does not impact their ability to recognize and add Juneteenth as a holiday in Volusia County.
Although I cannot accurately determine why the Volusia County Council choose not to add Juneteenth to its list of observed holidays, I can provide some contextual information regarding the importance of Juneteenth to this nation and why I believe that this national holiday should be added to the list of holidays observed by the Volusia County government.
It is vital to remember that during the American Revolution (April 19, 1775, to September 3, 1783) enslaved African Americans fought in the Continental Army. With the assistance of these African American soldiers, America was able to successfully bring an end to British rule, allowing the then 13 American colonies to declare their independence which is why the 4th of July has been established as a federal holiday and one that Volusia County Government recognizes and observes.
But, although enslaved African Americans fought for this country’s freedom in this and other wars, African Americans were still considered to be the property of their slave owners and did not gain their freedom and independence until June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is a celebration that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that the Civil War had ended and that they were free. This event, which occurred more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, marked a significant moment in American history and the end of one of the darkest periods in the country's history.
Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans for over a century, but it was not until recently that it gained wider recognition across the country. When President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a federal holiday this action recognized the importance of Juneteenth in American history and acknowledged the contributions of African Americans to the country's development.
As a result of the federal recognition, many cities and counties across the United States have also recognized Juneteenth as a holiday. However, some have yet to follow suit, including Volusia County Government.
Given the significance of Juneteenth in American history, it is essential that the county recognizes this holiday and observes it as a paid day off for its employees.
Not only does recognizing Juneteenth demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, but it also allows the county's residents, including those of African American descent, to learn and celebrate an essential part of the African American heritage. Furthermore, it sends a message that Volusia County acknowledges the harm caused by slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in this country.
In conclusion, while the reasons behind the Volusia County Council's decision not to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday are unclear, it is vital for the county government to recognize that this holiday is as important to Americans as is all other holidays that have received recognition from Volusia County government. This recognition would be a meaningful step towards promoting diversity, and inclusivity, and acknowledging the contributions and struggles of African Americans not only in America but also in Volusia County. Therefore, it is essential for the Volusia County Council to reconsider its decision and take action to recognize and observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday for their employees and join the many other cities and counties across the country in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the community and celebrate this important holiday in American history
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on April 22, 2023