Last year Santa Clara was the first county in California to officially recognize Juneteenth. This year, the day's supporters welcome the rest of the country in celebrating the holiday.
State Senator Dave Cortese proposed the County holiday when he was a Santa Clara County Supervisor last year.
Past celebrations of Juneteenth felt bittersweet to some locals.
"Sort of a celebration that always came with a slap in the face," said Cortese. Without official status, it felt as if the remembrance of emancipation wasn't getting the full recognition it deserved, he added.
After some pushing from community organizers, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors allocated $2.3 million to be put into a reserve, declaring Juneteenth as a county holiday, meaning most county offices and most county employees would have a paid day off.
The proposal was inspired by conversations with the community regarding race, equity and systemic change following the death of George Floyd.
"Emancipation and freedom in all areas of our lives is a reflection of our community," said Milan Balinton, executive director of the African American Community Service Agency and one of the organizers who supported the holiday.
Balinton will also be assisting in some of the local Juneteenth celebrations this weekend.
