The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, County Government, Board of Public Health and the Department of Public Health are commemorating Juneteenth.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and Cumberland County Government, along with the Cumberland County Board of Public Health and the Department of Public Health, join others across the nation in commemorating Juneteenth, a day of profound significance in American history.
The County and Health Department wish to acknowledge Juneteenth as the department addresses health inequities and works to improve health outcomes in Cumberland County.
As the County observes Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, it is a time to reflect on the journey toward liberation, resilience and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice. Juneteenth marks the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the Confederate South. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Juneteenth stands as a symbol of freedom, unity and the enduring spirit of resilience within the African American community. It is a time to honor the sacrifices of previous generations, celebrate Black Americans' achievements and reaffirm the commitment to building a future of equality and opportunity for all.
“In Cumberland County, we recognize the importance of acknowledging our history and fostering inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered,” said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams. “The Health Department has moved forward with numerous Board initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in health outcomes and as we commemorate Juneteenth, we encourage our residents to engage in meaningful dialogue, educate themselves on the significance of this day and participate in local events promoting unity and cultural understanding.”
“The Cumberland County Department of Public Health and the Board of Health join with others across Cumberland County and the nation in the ongoing work to bring more equality and equity to the most vulnerable and historically marginalized members of our community,” said Cumberland County Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “By celebrating Juneteenth, we can solemnly reflect on the history and struggle for freedom and continue the work to ensure Cumberland County is a great place for everyone.”
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health is dedicated to advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health that impact Cumberland County. By championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the department strives to create a healthier and more resilient Cumberland County for generations to come.
As residents celebrate Juneteenth, the Health Department invite them to engage in advancing health equity. Learn more about health inequities impacting the community:
- Visit the Health Department’s website or follow the department on social media to learn more about initiatives to reduce health disparities.
- Participate in a community collaborative working to advance health equity locally: Cumberland-Fayetteville Opioid Response Team,Breastfeeding Coalition, Perinatal Taskforce, Teen Health Taskforce, or the Food Policy Council, to name a few.
- Join Health Department staff for Hello Health the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12 to 1 p.m. live on CCNCTV or online. Hello Health is a new online series aimed at improving health literacy in the community.
If you would like more information about the Cumberland County Department of Public Health’s programs and services, health-related data, or community resources, please call 910-433-3600 or visit with someone at the information desk or visit our website at cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth. Comments are welcome and can be submitted to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/non-departmental-group/feedback. The Health Department is located at 1235 Ramsey St., Fayetteville.