As the City of Norman, let us come together to celebrate the signing of Juneteenth National Independence Day as a Federal Holiday!

 Juneteenth celebrates the day when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with Union soldiers informing enslaved Black people the Civil War had ended and they were free.  This word came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.  Since then, June 19, has been celebrated as Emancipation Day and Black Independence Day. 

 The City of Norman fully recognizes the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday.  Due to the short notice, City of Norman offices will continue business-as-usual through the 2021 observance.  We anticipate full support to evaluate our observance plans going forward. 

 It is important we recognize the advancements the City of Norman has made prior to this important event being named a Federal holiday.  A Mayoral Proclamation was unanimously passed on June 8, 2021 to recognize this important event.  For several weeks, the City of Norman has been engaged in planning the first-ever city-sponsored Juneteenth Festival.  This family friendly event is open to everyone and will take place tomorrow, Saturday, June 19 at Reaves Park from 6 pm - 10 pm, with a fireworks show at 9:45 pm.

 These intentional efforts are great things to be proud of and represent the City of Norman!