Juneteenth Event Honors Civil Rights Pioneer

Civil rights pioneer and civic leader Leon Williams spoke at the County Administration Center June 17, 2016.

Submitted by the African American Association of County Employees (AAACE)

On June 17, the African American Association of County Employees (AAACE) Employee Resource Group celebrated the 151st anniversary of Juneteenth at the County Administrative Center (CAC). Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

This year’s event was dedicated to honoring local civil rights pioneer and civic leader Leon Williams. Leon Williams was the first and remains the only African American Supervisor for the County of San Diego. He was also the first African American San Diego City Council member. Williams is known for his pioneering work in supporting public health efforts in AIDS prevention and smoking cessation, transportation, community safety and smart growth.

The hour long program focused on the rededication of the Leon Williams plaque in the east plaza of the CAC and announcement of the AAACE Leon Williams Scholarship. During the program County Supervisor Greg Cox (District 1) recounted the contributions that Mr. Williams made while serving on the Board and highlighted several ways that the he made a difference in the region.

Supervisor Cox also presented AAACE with a proclamation honoring Juneteenth.

In closing, the 90-plus-year-old civic leader encouraged all attendees to focus on what matters most—family and civic duty.