LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On the first day of Black History Month, Mayor Greg Fischer signed an executive order establishing a 15-member Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration Commission. The commission will help organize events celebrating the holiday's historical significance in Louisville.

Juneteenth, held on June 19, is the oldest known holiday commemorating the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Over the summer, Fischer signed a separate executive order recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday for Louisville Metro Government workers, effective this year.

“Juneteenth has a long history as a day of celebration in the Black community. I believe it’s past time that our entire city honors the victory for freedom that Juneteenth represents with the celebration it deserves,” Fischer said.

Commission members will include representatives from Metro Council, the business community, arts, educational and faith institutions, among others. The group will look at opportunities for expanding access to educational programming already developed by Waterfront Park and developing virtual events for Juneteenth 2021.

Also, the commission will "advise on ways to create a series of educational and cultural events and community-wide celebrations for Juneteenth 2022 and beyond, public health conditions allowing," according to a release from the mayor's office.

The commission will also help develop a budget and secure sponsorships and other funding needed to produce the celebration, in coordination with Waterfront Park, Metro Council, and Louisville Metro Government. Events presented by the commission hope to highlight Black-owned businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and wealth-building, and showcase historically black colleges and universities.

Ashley Smith of Waterfront Park, Metro Council President David James, Councilwoman Paula McCraney (D, District 7), and Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Executive Director Aukram Burton joined Fischer Monday morning as he signed the executive order.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Juneteenth commission to propel the work we have started over the past two years to honor the history and significance of the Juneteenth holiday,” Smith said. “Waterfront Park has a proud tradition of bringing people together and we are honored to partner in this meaningful community-wide celebration.”  

McCraney said, “Codifying the historic significance of the Emancipation Proclamation acknowledges that, although justice (freedom) was delayed, justice was not denied."

“Freedom is the right to act, speak and think without hindrance or restraint, so I look forward to experiencing the public celebratory events that will be produced by the commission for Louisville's Juneteenth," she added.

For more information about Black History month, please visit our special section.