County Executive Melissa Agard Proclaims June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth in Dane County

June 19, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

DANE COUNTY — Dane County Executive Melissa Agard has proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth in Dane County, recognizing the significance of the holiday and reaffirming the county’s commitment to equity and opportunity for all residents. A copy of the proclamation is attached. County Executive Agard issued the following statement in recognition of Juneteenth:

 

“Today, I am proud to proclaim June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth in Dane County and join communities across the nation in celebrating freedom, resilience, and the enduring contributions of Black Americans.

 

“We celebrate Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. That delay serves as a reminder that freedom and justice are not always delivered equally, and that progress often requires persistence, courage, and collective action.

 

“As we celebrate this day, we honor the generations of Black Americans who helped build our country through their labor, leadership, and determination. We also recognize that the work of creating a more equitable society continues.

 

"In Dane County, we remain committed to advancing equity, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that community voices help shape the decisions that affect people’s lives. While we have made progress, we know there is more work to do to address disparities and remove barriers that continue to impact too many residents.

 

“As we mark Juneteenth, let us celebrate freedom, honor those who came before us, and renew our shared commitment to building a community where everyone can thrive.”