H.R. No. 2367 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Dwayne Jones has long been a valued supporter of the celebration of Juneteenth in Galveston; and WHEREAS, An official state holiday since 1980, Juneteenth commemorates an important milestone in human rights in Texas, the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston on June 19, 1865, by Union general Gordon Granger, which effectively freed the 250,000 slaves in Texas at the end of the Civil War; and WHEREAS, Dwayne Jones is the executive director of the Galveston Historical Foundation, one of the nation's largest local preservation organizations; in addition to supporting the installation of the state Juneteenth monument, he has assisted with the annual Juneteenth Celebration at Ashton Villa and other historic African American events on Galveston Island; and WHEREAS, Through his ongoing efforts, Mr. Jones has helped to ensure a continued awareness of this landmark event, not only in Galveston but also across the state; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commend Dwayne Jones for his notable support of Juneteenth activities and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Jones as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Edwards ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2367 was adopted by the House on May 25, 2009, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House