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…
