TITLE: Commemorating the 2021 Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 2021 Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation is hosting its 2021 Juneteenth Celebration from June 14 to 19, 2021; and WHEREAS, In 2002, city council member Don Smith enlisted residents, local businesses, and civic leaders in the effort to develop an event highlighting the profound historical importance of the Emancipation Proclamation; the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation was established with the goals of organizing culturally relevant activities, creating programs to nurture young talent, and bringing together families from all backgrounds in a wholesome and inspiring setting; and WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was promulgated on January 1, 1863, but it could not be enforced in Texas until after the Civil War; on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army arrived in Galveston and that same day issued General Order No. 3, declaring the freedom of all those held in bondage; emancipated men and women marked the first anniversary of this date in 1866, and over the years, Juneteenth became a proud celebration of a momentous milestone in this nation's history; and WHEREAS, African Americans who moved away from Texas took the Juneteenth tradition with them, and it was embraced nationally; in 1979, Texas became the first state to make the celebration an official holiday; today, Missouri City's Juneteenth program has grown to encompass a wide variety of activities, including a kick-off reception, a parade, a community service awards gala, and a golf tournament as well as musical performances; the Freedom Tree, located in Freedom Tree Park, serves as a focal point and symbol of African American resilience; and WHEREAS, The much-anticipated Juneteenth celebration in Missouri City provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on African Americans' long road to freedom and to recognize their immeasurable contributions to the building of this country over the centuries; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 2021 Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration be commemorated and that all those participating be extended sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful event. Reynolds Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1332 was adopted by the House on May 26, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House