TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $1,000 offset by Six Council District One-Time District Priority Funds transferred from the Citywide Activities Department to provide a donation to Love Beyond Limits for the 2021 Juneteenth Celebration at MLK Jr Park; and
Decrease appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department by $1,000 to offset a transfer to the City Manager Department.
DISCUSSION
Love Beyond Limits is hosting the 2021 Juneteenth Celebration at MLK Jr Park in partnership with Cultural Alliance Long Beach. This donation will cover the cost for the venue to host the event at MLK Jr Park and provide supplies and materials for activities.
Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence day, as it has been long celebrated by the African-American community. On “Freedom’s Eve”, or the eve of January 1, 1863, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. But even after the stroke of midnight and the prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free, not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. It was not until June 19th, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with word that the Civil War had ended, that those were now free.
The celebration of Juneteenth (a combination of June and Nineteenth) and what began as a celebration for former slaves and their descendants in Texas, has become a national day of pride in the African - American communities throughout the country. Juneteenth today, celebrates African - American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
Love Beyond Limits is a non-profit organization based in Long Beach, California. Love Beyond Limits mission is to empower youth and transform children into natural-born leaders ready to take on the world. Through programs that promote and develop self-awareness, self-respect, high self-esteem and independence through academics, health, fitness and spiritually; Love Beyond Limits has continued to give opportunities to youth that allows them to create and mold their own unique experiences. Love Beyond Limits also won the 2019 California Nonprofit of the Year in the 64th Assembly District.
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on June 3, 2021.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY
This urgent item is being submitted through supplemental agenda to allow for timely funds processing.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommendation requests the City Manager Department to provide a donation to support Love Beyond Limits for Juneteenth event. The total appropriation increase in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $1,000 is offset by a decrease of appropriation of the Six Council District One-time District Priority Funds in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department. Implementing this recommendation is anticipated to result in a minimal impact to staff hours beyond normal budgeted scope of duties and a minimal impact on existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUELY SARO
COUNCILWOMAN, SIXTH DISTRICT