Bill Text: MS SR52 | 2020 | Regular Session | Engrossed


Bill Title: Commemorate June 19, 2020, as "Juneteenth."

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-1)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2020-06-28 - Adopted [SR52 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2020-SR52-Engrossed.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Blackmon, Horhn, Barnett, Blount, Caughman

Senate Resolution 52

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING AND RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNE 19, 2020, AS "JUNETEENTH."

     WHEREAS, June 19th, the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery, is known in many places as "Juneteenth"; and

     WHEREAS, from 1619 through 1865, millions of Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States, the 13 American colonies, and eventually the United States of America; and

     WHEREAS, on September 22, 1862, President Lincoln issued the celebrated Emancipation Proclamation, warning the rebellious Confederate States that he would declare their slaves "forever free" if those states did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863.  Enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation occurred only in Confederate States that were under Union Army control; and

     WHEREAS, prior to the end of the Civil War, on January 31, 1865, Congress passed the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery throughout the United States and its territories.  Spontaneous celebrations erupted throughout the country when African Americans learned of their freedom; and

     WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Texas was the last state to recognize that enslaved persons were free, two and one-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln.  For this reason, it is celebrated as Juneteenth; and

     WHEREAS, many African Americans continue the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth as inspiration and encouragement for future generations, and for more than 140 years, Juneteenth Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self development and respect for all cultures:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate and recognize the historical significance of June 19, 2020, as "Juneteenth."

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.

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