83R20126 BPG-D
By: Reynolds H.R. No. 1893
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
is commemorating Juneteenth, the historic date that signifies the
end of slavery in Texas; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, city council member Don Smith established
the foundation to engage residents, businesses, and civic leaders
in the creation of an event celebrating the anniversary of June 19,
1865, the date when Union soldiers landed in Galveston with the news
of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation; and
WHEREAS, The annual Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration now
offers five days of family-oriented activities, including a parade,
historical reenactments, a golf tournament, a "battle of the bands"
for high school musicians, a health and wellness fair, and musical
performances in a wide variety of genres; while events take place in
a number of venues, the focal point remains the Freedom Tree located
in Freedom Tree Park; and
WHEREAS, In addition to organizing the festival, the
foundation strives to enhance opportunities for Fort Bend County
students; it supports a college scholarship fund, and it develops
programs to nurture and showcase the talents of local youths; and
WHEREAS, Under the continued leadership of chair Don Smith,
the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation promotes
community involvement, increases knowledge of African American
history, and fosters goodwill and fellowship among area residents;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration
Foundation for working to commemorate a momentous day in Texas
history and extend to all those involved with the organization
sincere best wishes for a successful 2013 event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the foundation as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.