Cass County chief judge promotes celebration of and activities commemorating Juneteenth

Published 2:39 pm Thursday, June 18, 2020

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CASSOPOLIS — Known as “Juneteenth,” Friday commemorates the day that enslaved persons in Galveston, Texas were notified about the Emancipation Proclamation–almost two and a half years after it was issued. They walked away from bondage in what is known as the “Second Independence Day.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring June 19 as Juneteenth Celebration Day in Michigan.

“Juneteenth is a crucial day in our nation’s history to remember how far we have come and recognize how far we still have to go,” Whitmer said. “During a time when communities of color are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and when the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery have shone a light on the systemic racism Black Americans face every day, we must work together to build a more equitable and just Michigan. I’m proud to declare June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Celebration Day, and will continue to work tirelessly to create a state that is equal for all.”

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, the American Bar Association is offering a free webinar entitled “Juneteenth: Freedom Work Still To Do.” This webinar will feature speakers who will discuss Juneteenth, including its historical significance and its connection to racial inequities that we are witnessing in society today. They will discuss the potential of law and public policy to help Black people realize true freedom in this society. Registration for this webinar can be found at:

americanbar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lf8ozYbeQZSw2HCipmmtPw.

Cass County Chief Susan Judge Dobrich is encouraging the legal community and all community members to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday and Black American history and culture.

“I encourage everyone to learn more about Juneteenth, African American history, and culture while also continuing to promote diversity, equality, and a strong sense of community,” she said. “Cass County has a rich history of embracing diversity — the more we continue to learn, the better we can do as individuals and as a community.”