87R18455 TBO-D
By: Reynolds H.R. No. 1332
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
is hosting its 2021 Juneteenth Celebration from June 14 to 19, 2021;
and
WHEREAS, In 2002, city council member Don Smith enlisted
residents, local businesses, and civic leaders in the effort to
develop an event highlighting the profound historical importance of
the Emancipation Proclamation; the Missouri City Juneteenth
Celebration Foundation was established with the goals of organizing
culturally relevant activities, creating programs to nurture young
talent, and bringing together families from all backgrounds in a
wholesome and inspiring setting; and
WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was promulgated on
January 1, 1863, but it could not be enforced in Texas until after
the Civil War; on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the
Union Army arrived in Galveston and that same day issued General
Order No. 3, declaring the freedom of all those held in bondage;
emancipated men and women marked the first anniversary of this date
in 1866, and over the years, Juneteenth became a proud celebration
of a momentous milestone in this nation's history; and
WHEREAS, African Americans who moved away from Texas took the
Juneteenth tradition with them, and it was embraced nationally; in
1979, Texas became the first state to make the celebration an
official holiday; today, Missouri City's Juneteenth program has
grown to encompass a wide variety of activities, including a
kick-off reception, a parade, a community service awards gala, and
a golf tournament as well as musical performances; the Freedom
Tree, located in Freedom Tree Park, serves as a focal point and
symbol of African American resilience; and
WHEREAS, The much-anticipated Juneteenth celebration in
Missouri City provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on African
Americans' long road to freedom and to recognize their immeasurable
contributions to the building of this country over the centuries;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 2021 Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration
be commemorated and that all those participating be extended
sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful event.