Bill Text: TX HR2998 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: Honoring Opal Lee for her contributions and efforts in organizing the Fort Worth Juneteenth Celebration.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-05-27 - Reported enrolled [HR2998 Detail]
Download: Texas-2013-HR2998-Enrolled.html
H.R. No. 2998 |
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WHEREAS, For more than 100 years, the observance of | ||
Juneteenth on June 19 has provided an opportunity to celebrate the | ||
fundamental principles of liberty and equality; and | ||
WHEREAS, Although President Lincoln delivered the | ||
Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freedom came gradually and at | ||
different times to various states; it was on June 19, 1865, that | ||
General Gordon Granger, Union commander of the Department of Texas, | ||
arrived with his troops at Galveston and issued General Order | ||
Number 3, which stated, "The people of Texas are informed that, in | ||
accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United | ||
States, all slaves are free"; the long-delayed tidings traveled | ||
throughout the state to reach approximately 250,000 Texans who had | ||
been held in bondage; and | ||
WHEREAS, Large celebrations on June 19 began the following | ||
year, and early on, they typically included a prayer service, | ||
inspirational speakers, a reading of the Emancipation | ||
Proclamation, and such festive elements as barbecue, games, rodeos, | ||
and dances; slowly, the tradition spread to neighboring states and | ||
beyond, and during the 66th Texas Legislature, the passage of House | ||
Bill 1016 declared June 19 to be "Emancipation Day in Texas" and | ||
established an official state holiday effective January 1, 1980; | ||
and | ||
WHEREAS, In coming together each year to commemorate | ||
Juneteenth, Texans reaffirm the ideals on which this nation was | ||
founded and honor the myriad achievements and immeasurable | ||
fortitude of the African American community in the Lone Star State; | ||
and | ||
WHEREAS, Ms. Opal Lee was a driving force behind the | ||
rejuvenation of Juneteenth celebrations in Fort Worth in the 1970s | ||
and has tirelessly organized the Fort Worth Juneteenth Celebration | ||
for the last 39 years; now, therefore, be it | ||
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas | ||
Legislature hereby commend Ms. Lee for her distinguished | ||
contributions to the community; and, be it further | ||
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commemorate | ||
Juneteenth 2013 and encourage all citizens to learn more about the | ||
rich history of this important event. | ||
Collier | ||
______________________________ | ||
Speaker of the House | ||
I certify that H.R. No. 2998 was adopted by the House on May | ||
26, 2013, by a non-record vote. | ||
______________________________ | ||
Chief Clerk of the House | ||