LAKELAND — Six members of Lakeland’s African-American community stepped forward one-by-one Monday morning, together building the case for why Lakeland should recognize a pivotal date in Black history as a city employee holiday.
It’s one way to kickstart February as Black History Month.
Harlem Turner, president of Lakeland’s Rose Heights Elk Lodge, made his second plea to Lakeland commissioners within the past three months to recognize Juneteenth as an official city holiday. This would close down City Hall , giving many employees a paid day off and allowing them to join in the community celebrations.
“Why can’t we have Juneteenth? It’s not for race, it’s for everybody,” Turner said. “Why can’t we do what’s right?”
Mayor Bill Mutz asked whether other commissioners would support City Attorney Palmer Davis drafting a resolution proposing Juneteenth, or June 19, as an official holiday to be voted on at a future commission meeting.
Commissioner Stephanie Madden said that several people had reached out to her asking the city observe federal or state holidays it currently doesn’t. Election Day and Presidents Day were cited as examples.