ORDINANCE NO. ______, SERIES 2022
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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 39 OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES RECOGNIZING JUNE NINETEENTH AS “JUNETEENTH NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY” (AMENDMENT BY SUBSTITUTION).
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBERS BOWENS, SHANKLIN, DORSEY, PURVIS, ARTHUR, MCCRANEY,
TRIPLETT, AND PRESIDENT JAMES
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest known holiday commemorating the final communication of the abolition of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to a 2021 Act of Congress passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, June 19 was designated as a US federal holiday to be known as Juneteenth National Independence Day; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, the Kentucky General Assembly, recognizing the significance of Juneteenth, enacted legislation declaring that the nineteenth of June each year shall be observed in Kentucky as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day;" and
WHEREAS, an inaugural Juneteenth Jubilee Commission, established February 1, 2021 by Mayoral Executive Order and including a broad cross section of community representation, successfully created a series of events to celebrate Juneteenth and educate residents regarding the profound significance of the occasion; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of establishing a framework through which community awareness of and participation in recognition of Juneteenth on an annual basis will broaden our mutual understandings of one another, Metro Council established through Ordinance No. 017, Series 2022, a permanent Juneteenth Jubilee Commission; and
WHEREAS, by Mayoral Executive Order 2020-009, dated June 19, 2020, June 19 was declared a permanent holiday for Louisville Metro employees, with all benefits received by Metro employees under the observance of holidays.
. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: A new section of Chapter 39 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances shall provide as follows:
June 19 each year shall be observed as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day." Notwithstanding LMCO 35.001, June 19 shall be a paid holiday for Louisville Metro employees.
SECTION II: This Ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and approval or otherwise becoming law.
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_______________________________ Sonya Harward Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ David James President of the Council |
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_______________________________ Greg Fischer Mayor |
_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
By: ________________________________
O-325-22-Juneteenth CABS- hh