HLS 19RS-1625 ORIGINAL
2019 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 66
BY REPRESENTATIVE SMITH
CONGRESS: Memorializes congress to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday
1 A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
2To memorialize the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to
3 recognize the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United
4 States and observe Juneteenth nationally as a holiday.
5 WHEREAS, news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United
6States, and in particular the southwestern states, for more than two and a half years after
7President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on January 1, 1863, and
8months after the conclusion of the Civil War; and
9 WHEREAS, Juneteenth is an annual observance and celebration of the date Union
10soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all remaining slaves in Galveston,
11Texas, on June 19, 1865; and
12 WHEREAS, since 1865, the day has been celebrated as the day African-Americans
13received the news of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; and
14 WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates the strength and resolve of
15African-Americans throughout our history, and is an opportunity to highlight the value of
16African-American culture, art, history, and achievement; and
17 WHEREAS, the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part
18of the history and heritage of the United States; and
19 WHEREAS, for more than one hundred fifty years, Juneteenth Independence Day
20celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging
21self-development and respect for all cultures; and
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HCR NO. 66
1 WHEREAS, forty-six states and the District of Columbia have designated Juneteenth
2Independence Day as a special day of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all
3slaves in the United States; and
4 WHEREAS, in 1997, the 105th United States Congress officially recognized
5Juneteenth as the observance of Independence Day of Americans of African descent; and
6 WHEREAS, Juneteenth reflects our belief in liberty and equality for every citizen,
7as everyone can benefit from a greater understanding and appreciation of the experiences of
8others.
9 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
10memorialize the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to recognize
11the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United States and observe
12Juneteenth nationally as a holiday.
13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
14presiding officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Congress of the
15United States of America and to each member of the Louisiana congressional delegation.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HCR 66 Original 2019 Regular Session Smith
Memorializes the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to recognize
the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United States and observe
Juneteenth nationally as a holiday.
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