For Immediate Release Contact: Ryan Covert, 586-907-0859, [email protected]

Jun 18, 2021

Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Statement on Passage of the National Independence Day Act

Detroit – The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) released the following statement on behalf of Chairman Kinloch & the Board of Directors in response to yesterday’s signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.: 156 years ago tomorrow, with Union troops seizing control of & the Civil War having ended, General Gordon Granger issued General Order #3 from his base in Galveston. The order telegraphed to all Texans that freedom was the law of the land and slavery would no longer be abided. From that day sprung an annual celebration among those freed to commemorate emancipation. Over the years it has been marked in different ways, reflecting the state & local nature of the holiday. However, yesterday President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, finally bringing about federal recognition. Today the Port Authority joins in celebrating this day and the freedom for all that it signifies. In addition, we give thanks to all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the proper recognition of this holiday from localities, to states, and finally the federal government. As awareness of the holiday spreads, may it come to enjoy the universal reverence it deserves. “As an organization, we are honored to officially mark Juneteenth as a national day of reflection and celebration” said Chairman Jonathan C. Kinloch, “We are reminded that even as we celebrate, the work continues to build a more just, equal, and free society for all.” In observance of this day the Port Authority will close its administrative offices on Monday, June 21st.

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