CAO Message: Commemorating Juneteenth
/By Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer
On Monday, the County will be taking its first holiday in observance of Juneteenth.
I hope everyone enjoys the time off, and I also hope everyone takes at least a moment to reflect on the significance of the day.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. For anyone unfamiliar with the story, the name was formed from June 19, the day in 1865 when Union troops in Texas delivered word that all slaves were free – an announcement that came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
It’s now a day to celebrate freedom for Black Americans, and for all of us to acknowledge the truth of our history and the enduring impact slavery, and the racism that supported it, has on our society. That recognition underlies the steps the County is now taking to work toward equity in our community. Understanding how we got here is essential to creating the path forward.
Built right into Juneteenth’s origin story is the recurring theme that continues to challenge us today. The government declared slaves free, but then took years to make the very people affected aware of the fact. It was one more instance of justice delayed being justice denied.
Juneteenth is a time for us to consider the gaps between promises and fulfillment. Between the signing of a paper and the reality for people’s lives out in the world.
The County is taking concrete actions to examine and close those gaps in our own operations. The budget equity assessment tool we used to develop this year’s operational plan lets us better prioritize dollars to address inequality. We’ve restructured our health agency to focus on equitable communities. A cannabis program is designed to redress harms that were done due to the war on drugs and past criminalization that fell disproportionately on the Black community. We’re launching initiatives to uplift boys and men of color, and to give children with little access to the outdoors more opportunities to have that experience.
These are moves in the right direction, but of course, much more remains to be done. Earning trust and undoing historical wrongs will take time and effort.
Juneteenth can speak to each of us in multiple ways. No matter what you do on this day to celebrate freedom for all, let the spirit of the day move you toward the work ahead to create a more just San Diego.