United States Senate

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Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United States, and in particular the southwestern States, for more than 2 1/2 years after President Lincoln's... (Agreed to by Senate)

SRES 198 ATS



Observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.



Mr. BURRIS (for himself, Mr. BROWNBACK, Mr. LEVIN, Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mrs. GILLIBRAND) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to






Observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.

Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United States, and in particular the southwestern States, for more than 2 1/2 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on January 1, 1863, and months after the conclusion of the Civil War;

Whereas, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free;

Whereas African-Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as 'Juneteenth Independence Day', as the anniversary of their emancipation;

Whereas African-Americans from the Southwest continue the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for future generations;

Whereas for more than 140 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures;

Whereas although Juneteenth Independence Day is beginning to be recognized as a national, and even global, event, the history behind the celebration should not be forgotten; and

Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves remains an example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race: Now, therefore, be it


Resolved, That--

(1) the Senate--

(A) recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation;

(B) supports the continued celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past and to understand better the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and

(C) encourages the people of the United States to observe Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs; and

(2) it is the sense of the Senate that--

(A) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United States; and

(B) history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future.

         
ORIGINAL DATE OF PRESS RELEASE (4/17/97)

TRENT LOTT
U.S. Senator For Mississippi
Senate Majority Leader
Contact: Susan Irby
(202)-224-5358 


                     

(Washington, DC) - An unprecedented observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, the commemoration of the end of slavery, will be held in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building during the first week of June, Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi announced today. Juneteenth Independence Day refers to the time in mid-June 1865 when word of emanciaption reached America's southwestern frontier. "Since that time, Juneteenth has been celebrated to commemorate the end of slavery and to honor those who endured slavery, especially those who moved from slavery to freedom," Lott said.

On April 10 the Senate adopted legislation officially recognizing Juneteenth Independence Day and encouraging its observance. The measure, Senate Joint Resolution 11, was introduced by Senator Lott and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota. Cosponsoring the measure were Senators: Spencer Abraham of Michigan, John Ashcroft of Missouri, Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Phil Graham of Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchinson of Texas, Carl Levin of Michigan, Connie Mack of Florida, and Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois. A companion resolution has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative J.C. Watts of Oklahoma.

Lott saluted the work of the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage with whom he will be planning the upcoming observance. "Juneteenth Independence Day is an opportunity for all Americans to better understand our nation's common past," Lott said.

The full text of the Senate-passed resolution follows:

Commemorating "Juneteenth Independence Day," June 19, 1865, the day on which slavery finally came to an end in the United States.

Whereas, news of the end of slavery came late to the frontier areas of the country, especially in the American Southwest,

Whereas the African-Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest thereafter celebrated June 19th as the anniversary of their emancipation,

Whereas their descendants handed down that tradition from generation to generation as an inspiration and encouragement for future generations,

Whereas Juneteenth celebrations have thus been held for 130 years to honor the memory of all those who endured slavery and especially those who moved from slavery to freedom,

Whereas their example of faith and strength of character remains a lesson for all Americans today, regardless of background or region or race, now, therefore, be it

Resolved

That the annual observance of June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day is an important and enriching part of our country's history and heritage, and

That the celebration of Juneteenth provides an opportunity for all Americans to learn more about our common past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped our nation, and

That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage as an expression of appreciation for its role in promoting the observance of Juneteenth Independence Day. 



              ___________________________

                     Sen. Baack Obama (D-IL)
                      Sponsor of S. Res. 516
                           (Passed - 6/19/06)
 
                          

              ___________________________

                       Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
                      Sponsor of S. Res. 231
                          (Passed - 6/19/07) 
 
                       Sponsor of S. Res. 584
                            (Passed 6/17/08)