TITLE: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Texas.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, When residents of the Lone Star State commemorate Juneteenth on June 19, 2015, they will be celebrating the sesquicentennial of the day that marked the official end of slavery in Texas; and WHEREAS, It was in Galveston, the birthplace of Juneteenth, that the Union commander of the Department of Texas, Major General Gordon Granger, issued General Order No. 3 on June 19, 1865; that order advised "the people of Texas...that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free"; and WHEREAS, That watershed moment occurred at the Osterman Building, located on the southwest corner of 22nd Street and Strand in downtown Galveston; the site served as the Union Army Headquarters, and today its crucial role in the story of Texas is commemorated with a historical marker; and WHEREAS, Galveston's annual observance of the abolition of slavery dates back to January 1, 1866, when persons of color were asked to assemble in the town square for a formal celebration of the milestone event; since that time, the annual Juneteenth festivities have continued to be highly anticipated by the city's residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, Today, 150 years after emancipation was proclaimed in Texas, Juneteenth continues to inspire gatherings that are both joyful and reflective; layered with meaning, these observances pay tribute to all those who endured the rigors of slavery, honor their immeasurable contributions to the development of this state and nation, and recognize the myriad accomplishments of the generations that have followed; in addition, and of equal importance, the occasion serves as a powerful summons to the continuing work of building a more just and inclusive society; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Texas and encourage all Texans to acknowledge the God-given right of freedom and to join in celebrating this joyous American holiday. Faircloth Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3530 was adopted by the House on June 1, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House