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2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
2023 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTIO N 57
June 28, 2023 - Introduced by Senators L. JOHNSON, BRADLEY, CARPENTER, LARSON,
SPREITZER, PFAFF, ROYS, HESSELBEIN and JACQUE, cosponsored by
Representatives DRAKE, EMERSON, NEUBAUER, RATCLIFF, OHNSTAD, SUBECK,
VINING, BARE, ORTIZ-VELEZ, SHELTON, GOYKE, DOYLE, C. ANDERSON,
SHANKLAND, JOERS, CONSIDINE, BRANDTJEN, ANDRACA, DITTRICH, PALMERI,
RIEMER, ALLEN, HONG, SINICKI, CABRERA, J. ANDERSON, CONLEY, SCHRAA,
CLANCY, MCGUIRE, BALDEH, HAYWOOD, MYERS, STUBBS, MOORE OMOKUNDE and
MADISON. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: recognizing June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin.
Whereas, Juneteenth Day is a national holiday that celebrates the end of
slavery in the United States, and Juneteenth Day specifically commemorates June
19, 1865, the day that Union General Gordon Granger spoke in Galveston, Texas,
proclaiming free the last remaining slaves in the United States; and
Whereas, Union General Gordon Granger delivered this news to recognize the
freedom of these men, and this proclamation was given nearly two and one-half
years after the Emancipation Proclamation was declared; and
Whereas, slavery in the United States lasted over 250 years and enslaved
millions of African Americans in horrific conditions throughout all regions in the
United States, including in Wisconsin, where hundreds of slaves were held illegally;
and
Whereas, Juneteenth Day is officially observed in 47 states across the country,
and Juneteenth Day has come to signify a celebration of African American freedom,
achievement, and history; and
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2023 - 2024 Legislature
Whereas, Wisconsin has one of the nation's oldest and longest running
Juneteenth celebrations due to Milwaukee's first celebration in 1971, which began
when then-Northcott staff member Margaret Rogers told others how much she had
enjoyed a Juneteenth Day celebration in Georgia. Based on Rogers's experience,
Northcott decided to begin a similar tradition in Milwaukee—spearheaded in its
early days by festival executive director Marvin Hannah and coordinator Jan
Kemp-Cole—and the festival soon became the unofficial opening of summer; and
Whereas, Juneteenth Day brings the African American community and
persons of all races together in the fight for equality, and it is important as legislators
to promote solidarity in this effort; and
Whereas, Juneteenth Day is typically celebrated in ways such as public
readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, educational activities, parades,
community festivals, and family gatherings; and
Whereas, Juneteenth Day provides a time for a reflection on the history of the
institution of slavery in the United States and Wisconsin, provides an opportunity
to educate Americans about the history of slavery and emancipation, and provides
an occasion to celebrate the continuing advancement of African Americans and
freedom in the United States; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature
hereby proclaims June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin.
(END)
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