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Cabarrus Commissioner Apologizes After Juneteenth “Lie” Comment

6/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cabarrus County Commissioner Larry Pittman called Juneteenth “based on a lie” and used the word “boy,” prompting immediate criticism.
Pittman was the sole dissenting vote on the county board’s Juneteenth proclamation.
He argued the holiday misattributes emancipation to Texas events and should instead honor the 13th Amendment’s ratification.
Audience members and online viewers condemned his remarks, prompting his later public apology.

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Story summary

Cabarrus County Commissioner Larry Pittman called Juneteenth “based on a lie” and used the word “boy,” prompting immediate criticism.
Pittman was the sole dissenting vote on the county board’s Juneteenth proclamation.
He argued the holiday misattributes emancipation to Texas events and should instead honor the 13th Amendment’s ratification.
Audience members and online viewers condemned his remarks, prompting his later public apology.