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.