IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 155 

Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and 

expressing the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as 

a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the 

challenges of the future. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MAY 23, 2007 

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois (for himself, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. 

ELLISON, Mr. LAMPSON, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. 

CLEAVER, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. MORAN of 

Virginia, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Ms. LINDA T. SA ́NCHEZ of California, 

Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Ms. LEE, Mr. NADLER, Mr. HOLT, Mr. 

BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Ms. CARSON, Mr. SNYDER, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. KUCINICH, Mrs. 

BOYDA of Kansas, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Ms. KILPATRICK, 

Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Ms. NORTON, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. 

SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. GORDON of Tennessee, Mr. COHEN, Mr. HARE, Mr. 

SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. HOLDEN, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. 

JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. 

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, 

Mr. DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. 

GRIJALVA, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. BERRY, Mr. HONDA, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. 

DOYLE, Mr. LANTOS, Mr. ROSS, and Mr. ELLSWORTH) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 

Oversight and Government Reform 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of Congress 

that history should be regarded as a means for undermstockstill on PROD1PC66 with BILLS

2 

•HCON 155 IH 

standing the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future. 

Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier 

areas of the United States, and in particular the Southwestern States, for more than 2 years after President 

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 

1863, and months after the conclusion of the Civil War; 

Whereas on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with 

news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved 

were free; 

Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the 

Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as 

Juneteenth Independence Day, as the anniversary of 

their emancipation; 

Whereas African Americans from the Southwest continue the 

tradition of Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration 

and encouragement for future generations; 

Whereas for more than 135 years, Juneteenth Independence 

Day celebrations have been held to honor African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures; 

Whereas although Juneteenth Independence Day is beginning 

to be recognized as a national, and even global, event, the 

history behind the celebration should not be forgotten; 

and 

Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by 

former slaves remains an example for all people of the 

United States, regardless of background, religion, or 

race: Now, therefore, be it 

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•HCON 155 IH 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That— 

3 (1) Congress recognizes the historical signifi4 cance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Na5 tion; 

6 (2) Congress supports the continued celebration 

7 of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an op8 portunity for the people of the United States to 

9 learn more about the past and to better understand 

10 the experiences that have shaped the Nation; 

11 (3) the President is urged to issue a proclama12 tion calling on the people of the United States to ob13 serve Juneteenth Independence Day with appro14 priate ceremonies, activities, and programs; and 

15 (4) it is the sense of Congress that— 

16 (A) history should be regarded as a means 

17 for understanding the past and more effectively 

18 facing the challenges of the future; and 

19 (B) the celebration of the end of slavery is 

20 an important and enriching part of the history 

21 and heritage of the United States. 

Æ 

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