H.R. No. 1744
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
is hosting its 2023 Juneteenth Celebration from June 9 to 17; and
WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was promulgated on
January 1, 1863, but it would 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; in 1979, Texas
became the first state to make the celebration an official holiday,
and a bill was passed in Congress in 2021 that established
Juneteenth as a federal holiday; and
WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
was established in 2002 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; today, the 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 House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 2023 Missouri City Juneteenth
Celebration and extend to all those participating sincere best
wishes for a memorable and meaningful event.
Reynolds
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1744 was adopted by the House on May
25, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House