2020 First Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 18
BY SENATORS BARROW, ABRAHAM, ALLAIN, BERNARD, BOUDREAUX, BOUIE,
CARTER, CATHEY, CLOUD, CORTEZ, FESI, FIELDS, FOIL,
HARRIS, HENRY, HENSGENS, HEWITT, JACKSON, JOHNS,
LAMBERT, LUNEAU, MCMATH, MILLIGAN, ROBERT MILLS,
MIZELL, MORRIS, PEACOCK, PETERSON, POPE, PRICE, REESE,
SMITH, TALBOT, WARD, WHITE AND WOMACK
A RESOLUTION
To recognize and commemorate the historical significance of June 19, 1865, as a day of
celebration and the need to get along and work together.
WHEREAS, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the
Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery; and
WHEREAS, two and one-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued,
there was little effect on southern states due to the minimal number of Union troops to
enforce the new executive order; and
WHEREAS, it was on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers led by Major General
Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of June 19, 1865, was coined "Juneteenth" and grew
with more participation from descendants of slaves; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery; and
WHEREAS, today, Juneteenth celebrates African-American freedom while
encouraging education, achievement, and respect for all cultures in our nation; and
WHEREAS, with recent events involving African Americans and others in our
society, it is important, now more than ever, that there be understanding by everyone, and
the need for all members of the community to work together and support one another.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby recognize and commemorate Juneteenth as a day of celebration for all African
Americans.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that on the occasion of this celebration, all persons
recognize the need to respect one another and work together.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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