12-R066
2012 -- S 2262
Enacted 01/31/12
S E N A T E R E
S O L U T I O N
URGING THE
CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF
JUNETEENTH
Introduced By: Senators Metts, P Fogarty, Perry, Pichardo, and Pinga
Date Introduced: January 26, 2012
WHEREAS, News of the end
of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the
and in particular the Southwestern States, for more than
2 1/2 years after President Lincoln’s
Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on January
1, 1863, and months after the
conclusion of the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, On June 19,
1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger
arrived in
free; and
WHEREAS,
African-Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June
19th, commonly known as “Juneteenth
Independence Day,” as the anniversary of their
emancipation; and
WHEREAS,
African-Americans from the Southwest continue the tradition of celebrating
Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for
future generations; and
WHEREAS, For more than 145 years, Juneteenth
Independence Day celebrations have
been held to honor African-American freedom while
encouraging self-development and respect
for all cultures; and
WHEREAS, The faith and strength of character demonstrated by former
slaves remain an
example for all people of the
therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
That this Senate of the State of
hereby urges the citizens of the State of
Juneteenth Independence Day; to observe Juneteenth
Independence Day with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs; and support the continued
celebration of Juneteenth
Independence Day by
providing an opportunity for the people of the State to learn more about the
past and to better understand the experiences that have
shaped the Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is
authorized and directed to
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution Reverend
Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.
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LC00849
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