TITLE: Honoring Opal Lee for her contributions and efforts in organizing the Fort Worth Juneteenth Celebration.

SUMMARY: Honoring Opal Lee for her contributions and efforts in organizing the Fort Worth Juneteenth Celebration.

FULL TEXT:
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