HR0383 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0383 LRB102 18822 MST 27530 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Juneteenth recognizes the abolition of slavery in the United States and its territories in 1865; and

WHEREAS, President Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, freeing slaves throughout the south, but it was not until June 19, 1865, over two years later and over two months after General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, that slaves in Galveston, Texas received the news, making it the official end of slavery; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom from bondage and oppression; and

WHEREAS, The African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society, in Partnership with the City of Decatur Human Relations Commission, will be holding its 27th Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 19, 2021 in downtown Decatur, which will include a wreath ceremony, Freedom Day Walk, and a variety of festivities, including giveaways, vendors, food, entertainment, fun, and culture; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the City of Decatur's Juneteenth celebration as a time to reflect and to commemorate the end of slavery; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the City of Decatur and the African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois, Inc. as a symbol of our respect and esteem.