To: Delrico J. Loyd, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval of resolution recognizing June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in Genesee County
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of resolution recognizing June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in Genesee County
BACKGROUND:
At their April 2026 meeting, the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission approved the submission of the attached resolution declaring Juneteenth 2026 in Genesee County to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Inclusive, Collaborative Culture - Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, the celebration of Juneteenth recognizes the abolishment of slavery and the anniversary of Union Army General Gordon Granger landing in Galveston, Texas, in June 1865 (two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation), where he read aloud General Order #3 stating that all enslaved people were free; and
WHEREAS, June 19th is a day to reflect and rejoice, marking freedom for people who toiled, suffered, and resisted under the yoke of enslavement; that it is also an occasion to embrace with joy the ingenuity, spirit, and vibrancy of Black culture; and that it offers a poignant reminder that none of us is free unless all of us are free and that the work to advance freedom and rights for African Americans has helped solidify rights that every person in the country depends upon; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth was officially adopted as a federal holiday in 2021 while Juneteenth has been celebrated in Genesee County for 54 years, spurred on by Dr. E. Hill De Loney, who was known as “the “Founder and Mother of the Flint Juneteenth Celebration,” who established planning committees with local Flint and Genesee County residents to host annual Juneteenth events, parades, and the annual Freedom Fund Dinner; and
WHEREAS, local Juneteenth festivities this year start on May 31st and continue through June 28th with a variety of activities throughout the Genesee County Community, including the community parade taking place on June 19th at noon starting at Max Brandon Park and continuing to Downtown Flint.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan hereby recognizes Juneteenth 2026 in Genesee County and encourages all county departments to engage in celebratory activities and appropriate recognitions, such as participating in community events, sharing stories, and learning about contributions Black Americans have made to our county and nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Clerk/Register is directed to provide one copy of this Resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.