HR0435 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0435 LRB097 12185 KXB 56430 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the State of Illinois Juneteenth Committee reads: To promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African-American history and culture with a focus on education and self-improvement; and

WHEREAS, It was on June 19, 1865, two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, that Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free; and

WHEREAS, As freed slaves left plantations and moved to reunite with family members in other states, they encountered a new set of challenges as free men and women; and

WHEREAS, Recounting the memories of that great day in June of 1865 and its festivities would serve as motivation and relief from the growing pressures encountered in their new homes; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation and became a time for reassuring one another, for praying, and for gathering family members; and

WHEREAS, A range of activities were provided for entertainment at early Juneteenth celebrations, many of which continue today; rodeos, fishing, barbecuing, and baseball are just a few of the typical activities that may be held today; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth also focuses on education and self-improvement; guest speakers are often brought in and elders are called upon to recount the events of the past; prayer services are often also a major part of the celebrations; and

WHEREAS, Over the last few decades, Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a growing and healthy interest from communities and organizations throughout the country, all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African-American history and culture; and

WHEREAS, Today, Juneteenth celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we proclaim June 19, 2011 as Juneteenth Day in the State of Illinois, in remembrance of the important events of June 19, 1865, and encourage all citizens to learn about the important contributions that African-Americans have made to our State, and to the nation as a whole; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the State of Illinois Juneteenth Committee as a symbol of our respect and esteem.