Bill Text: VA HJR524 | 2021 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Abolition Day; designating as December 6, 2021, and each succeeding year thereafter.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 9-5)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-02-05 - Left in Rules [HJR524 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-HJR524-Prefiled.html
WHEREAS, in the early history of the United States, numerous documents and declarations were made in support of ending the institution of slavery; and
WHEREAS, while Juneteenth is an important day in the nation's history, the original intent of the document it celebrates, the Emancipation Proclamation, was not to abolish slavery, but rather to attempt to preserve the Union at the cost of prolonging slavery; and
WHEREAS, the Emancipation Proclamation only abolished slavery in some states and specifically exempted slaves in Southeast Virginia from their freedom; and
WHEREAS, there was a subsequent bipartisan effort to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and abolish the institution of slavery nationwide; and
WHEREAS, when the United States Congress ratified the Thirteenth Amendment on December 6, 1865, it became the only action taken by the executive or legislative branches of the United States government to officially eliminate the institution of slavery; and
WHEREAS, honoring December 6 as Abolition Day will raise awareness of the historical significance of the Thirteenth Amendment and pay tribute to the legacy of those who fought for its passage; and
WHEREAS, residents, businesses, and organizations throughout the Commonwealth are encouraged to observe and celebrate this day and join in appropriate commemorative events; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate December 6, in 2021 and in each succeeding year, as Abolition Day in Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.
