 Juneteenth is a combination of the words June and nineteenth. It commemorates the day more than two months after the end of the Civil War – and more than two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation – when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom.
On June 19, 1865, General Gordan Grainger and his troops entered Galveston and officially declared the immediate release and freedom of the remainder of enslaved people.
In 1866, Black freedmen organized the first celebration of "Jubilee Day" on June 19th featuring music, ethnic cuisine, prayer services and other activities. This year, at least 28 states (including Minnesota) and the District of Columbia legally recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday.
Lexington Ave is anticipated to be fully open to traffic by August 1st. Work will continue after August 1st on the sides of Lexington, with limited and short term impacts to traffic, with the exception of the west side of Red Fox for the water main installation. You can view updates on the project on Ramsey County's project website.
 Join me TOMORROW for an evening of crafting and casual conversation! Bring something craft-y that you've been working on or use one of the Library's art kits to create something to take home with you. Please sign up via Eventbrite so we know how many people to expect, and if you'd like an art kit. Hope to see you there!
In September 2021, Ramsey County law enforcement leaders announced they would reduce reliance on non-public-safety traffic stops (stops for things like one taillight out or something hanging from a rear-view mirror). Their goals were to focus resources on situations that are most likely to present a public safety threat, improve community trust, reduce racial inequities, and provide an alternative to equipment violation enforcement.
Earlier this month, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi convened law enforcement and community leaders from across Ramsey County to announce independent research results that affirm progress toward these goals. The research showed that non-public-safety related traffic stops greatly decreased, moving violations increased as a percentage of all traffic stops, and that racial disparities for these stops were reduced by almost half. Also announced was the successful deployment of a program to, in place of the non-public-safety stops, send letters to the vehicle owner and offer financial assistance making repairs or renewing vehicle registration.
You can learn more about the progress that's been made and view the press conference here.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently issued the draft Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan 2022-2042. The plan provides a framework for counties to develop their Solid Waste Management Plans. The MPCA is seeking public comments on the draft plan, which includes strategies and tactics that the state would like counties to implement to achieve low waste and responsibly dispose of solid waste. Furthers details about the plan can be found here.
There will be public meetings for residents, individuals, and organizations to provide feedback. The first in-person meeting will be July 11, 2023. There is also an opportunity to provide written feedback electronically
Join the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative and partners for the first in a series of conversations on fentanyl and children's health. The conversation will cover topics such as the fentanyl crisis, what life-saving options and resources are available and how community members can work together to address this crisis. The event will be held on June 28th from 6 to 8:30 pm. You can register for the event here. |
