County Executive Melissa Agard Honors and Reflects on Juneteenth

June 19, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, (608) 800-1127
County Executive

Encourages Dane County Residents to Participate in Events that Celebrate Equity and Honor This Important Day

MADISON - Dane County recognizes Juneteenth as a paid holiday for employees and continues to support community efforts to commemorate the day through education, cultural celebration, and civic engagement. County Executive Melissa Agard today issued the following statement in recognition of Juneteenth:

“Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when word of emancipation finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day that underscores both the triumph of liberation and the enduring toll of injustice delayed.

“Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone—it is a celebration of Black resilience and a reminder of the work that remains. It invites us to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the ongoing systems of inequality that continue to deny too many the full promise of freedom.

“In Dane County, we recognize that racial justice isn’t achieved in a single moment—it’s built through intentional effort, inclusive leadership, and policies grounded in equity. We must keep confronting disparities in housing, health care, education, and the criminal justice system. That work must be guided by those with lived experience and a vision for lasting change.

“Juneteenth is a time to honor the contributions of Black Americans past and present, to acknowledge our country’s painful truths, and to commit ourselves to a more just and inclusive future. Today is both a celebration and a challenge—to remember, to learn, and to act.

“Let us carry the spirit of Juneteenth forward—not just today, but every day—as we work together to build a community where every person has the freedom, opportunity, and dignity they deserve.”