LEESBURG, Va. (AP) — The president of a northern Virginia NAACP branch is calling for a town councilman’s resignation after he wrote a negative message on a Juneteenth proclamation rather than sign it.
The Leesburg Town Council passed a resolution proclaiming June 19-20 as Juneteenth and urging residents to recognize “this celebration in African-American history.” Juneteenth celebrates slavery’s end in the U.S.
The resolution also recognizes lynchings that occurred in Virginia, including one in Leesburg.
Councilman Thomas Dunn didn’t sign the proclamation, instead writing “This is a celebration lynchings are not” in his signature line.
Loudoun County NAACP President Michelle Thomas said Dunn’s remark is a clear insult. Dunn told news outlets he won’t resign and criticized groups for refusing to accept differing opinions.
He has written similar messages on proclamations related to gay rights and gun violence.
Councilman Ron Campbell has also called for the councilman’s resignation, but Dunn says he will not resign and has since responded with a statement.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of the freedom of slavery by Texas and should not be diminished by bringing in other issues, while important, are not to be celebrated but observed such as lynchings,” the statement reads.
WTOP’s Melissa Howell contributed to this report.
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