89R182 BK-D
By: Leo Wilson H.C.R. No. 6
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Galveston holds a special place in American history
as the birthplace of Juneteenth, the longstanding observance that
commemorates the end of slavery in Texas and, more generally, in the
United States as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth stems from the events of June 19, 1865,
when the Union Army arrived in Galveston following the end of the
Civil War; in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's
Emancipation Proclamation, General Gordon Granger issued General
Order No. 3, which proclaimed that all enslaved persons in Texas
were free and that there would be "an absolute equality of personal
rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves";
during the months that followed, this news traveled across the
state from Galveston and was joyously received by the approximately
250,000 men, women, and children in Texas who had been living in
bondage; and
WHEREAS, The anniversary of this momentous event came to be
known as "Juneteenth," and it has since been marked with a variety
of festivities; during the 20th century, Juneteenth began growing
in popularity beyond Texas as celebrations spread to cities such as
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota; in 1979, Texas
became the first state to make Juneteenth an official state
holiday, and Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal
holiday, was established in 2021 by an act of Congress; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is observed in Galveston with an array of
special events, including a parade, an art exhibition, and a guided
tour to historic sites; in 2021, a public mural entitled Absolute
Equality was completed in downtown Galveston as an initiative of
the Juneteenth Legacy Project; spanning 5,000 square feet, the
vibrant and richly detailed mural by Reginald C. Adams depicts the
origins of Juneteenth and the journey of Black Americans from
slavery to freedom; and
WHEREAS, Galveston's historical association with Juneteenth
has made the city an important destination for those looking to
reflect on a landmark moment for our nation and on the ideals of
freedom, equality, and justice that the holiday represents, and it
is indeed fitting that the city's seminal role in the Juneteenth
observance be officially honored; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Galveston as the official Juneteenth Capital of
Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.