Juneteenth is a combination of the words June and 19th. It also is known as “America’s Second Independence Day.”
“I feel excited,” Oatis said. “I’m glad that I did something at a very young age that’s so important.”
Pastor Michael D. Reeves Jr., president of the Hamilton Fairfield West Chester Unit 3186 Branch of the NAACP, said he and the organization’s executive committee were pleased by the decision, which calls for each future June 19 to be celebrated.
“By acknowledging Juneteenth as America’s second Day of Independence, the city of Hamilton, Ohio, has taken a step towards the engagement and acceptance of the African American culture and heritage,” Reeves said. “And this is definitely a step in the right direction. With many more steps to take for its African-American residents.”
“He’s a courageous little boy,” said his mother, Candice White.
Samy Broyles of the Booker T. Washington Community encouraged him to put together an essay about Juneteenth, and he later read it to the council. His mother said both she, and particularly Deion’s father, Demauntezz Oatis, who loves history, had taught him through the years about such things.
Deion said history isn’t among his favorite subjects. Instead, math is. He also plays for the Monroe Swarm baseball team, as a pitcher and shortstop, and began writing a book during last school year.
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