Bill Text: DE HCR68 | 2013-2014 | 147th General Assembly | Draft

Delaware House Concurrent Resolution 68 (Prior Session Legislation)

Draft

Bill Title: Proclaiming And Recognizing June 19, 2014, As Juneteenth Independence Day.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-1)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2014-06-19 - Passed by Senate. Votes: Passed 16 YES 0 NO 0 NOT VOTING 5 ABSENT 0 VACANT [HCR68 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2013-HCR68-Draft.html

SPONSOR:	Rep. Bolden & Rep. Potter & Rep. J. Johnson & Rep. Blakey, on behalf of all Representatives Sen. Henry, on behalf of all Senators
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 68

PROCLAIMING AND RECOGNIZING JUNE 19, 2014, AS JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY.

WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, but news of the end of slavery came slowly to frontier areas of the country; and

WHEREAS, June 19, 1865, is recognized as the date on which General Gordon Granger, upon arriving in Galveston, Texas, issued General Order Number Three, notifying the last enslaved Americans of their new legal status, almost two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and months after the conclusion of the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, the African-Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest thereafter celebrated that date, commonly known as Juneteenth Independence Day, as the anniversary of their emancipation; and

WHEREAS, their descendants handed down that tradition from generation to generation as inspiration and encouragement for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth celebrations have thus been held for over 135 years to honor the memory of all those who endured slavery, especially those who moved from slavery to freedom, and to encourage self-development and respect for all cultures; and

WHEREAS, the history behind the celebration of Juneteenth should be remembered as the event continues to receive increased national, and even global, recognition; and

WHEREAS, the example of faith and strength of character of those who endured and overcame slavery remains a lesson for all Americans today, regardless of background, region, or race;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 147th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that June 19, 2014 is hereby proclaimed and recognized as Juneteenth Independence Day in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly does hereby encourage the people of the State of Delaware to reflect upon the significant roles and many contributions of African-Americans to Delaware and our nation throughout history and today, and to celebrate this day with appropriate activities and events that honor this rich legacy.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution proclaims June 19, 2014, as Juneteenth Independence Day in Delaware and encourages the people of Delaware to reflect upon the significant roles and many contributions of African Americans and to celebrate this day with appropriate activities and events.