ENROLLED
2020 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 63
BY REPRESENTATIVES JAMES, ADAMS, BRASS, BROWN, BRYANT,
CARPENTER, CARRIER, GARY CARTER, ROBBY CARTER, WILFORD
CARTER, CORMIER, COX, DESHOTEL, DUPLESSIS, FREEMAN, FREIBERG,
GAINES, GLOVER, GREEN, HARRIS, HUGHES, JEFFERSON, JENKINS,
TRAVIS JOHNSON, JONES, JORDAN, LANDRY, LARVADAIN, LYONS,
MARCELLE, DUSTIN MILLER, MCKNIGHT, MOORE, NELSON, NEWELL,
PHELPS, PIERRE, SELDERS, WHITE, WILLARD, AND WRIGHT
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the governor and the legislature of Louisiana to take such actions as are
necessary to recognize the historical significance of Juneteenth Day and to observe
Juneteenth as a state holiday.
WHEREAS, news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United
States, and in particular the southwestern states, for more than two and a half 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, Juneteenth is an annual observance and celebration of the date Union
soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all remaining slaves in Galveston,
Texas, on June 19, 1865; and
WHEREAS, since 1865, the day has been celebrated as the day African-Americans
received the news of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates the strength and resolve of
African-Americans throughout our history, and is an opportunity to highlight the value of
African-American culture, art, history, and achievement; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part
of the history and heritage of the United States; and
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WHEREAS, for more than one hundred fifty years, Juneteenth Day celebrations have
been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and
respect for all cultures; and
WHEREAS, forty-six states and the District of Columbia have designated Juneteenth
Day as a special day of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all slaves in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, in 1997, the 105th United States Congress officially recognized
Juneteenth as the observance of Independence Day of Americans of African descent; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth reflects our belief in liberty and equality for every citizen,
as everyone can benefit from a greater understanding and appreciation of the experiences of
others.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the governor and the legislature of
Louisiana to take such actions as are necessary to recognize the historical significance of
Juneteenth Day and to observe Juneteenth as a state holiday.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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