2012 -- S 2262

=======

LC00849

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

____________

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

URGING THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TO OBSERVE

JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, P Fogarty, Perry, Pichardo, and Pinga

     Date Introduced: January 26, 2012

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

1-1

     WHEREAS, News of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United States,

1-2

and in particular the Southwestern States, for more than 2 1/2 years after President Lincoln’s

1-3

Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on January 1, 1863, and months after the

1-4

conclusion of the Civil War; and

1-5

     WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger

1-6

arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were

1-7

free; and

1-8

     WHEREAS, African-Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June

1-9

19th, commonly known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” as the anniversary of their

1-10

emancipation; and

1-11

     WHEREAS, African-Americans from the Southwest continue the tradition of celebrating

1-12

Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for future generations; and

1-13

     WHEREAS, For more than 145 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have

1-14

been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect

1-15

for all cultures; and

1-16

     WHEREAS, The faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves remain an

1-17

example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race; now,

1-18

therefore, be it

1-19

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

1-20

hereby urges the citizens of the State of Rhode Island to recognize the historical significance of

2-1

Juneteenth Independence Day; to observe Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate

2-2

ceremonies, activities, and programs; and support the continued celebration of Juneteenth

2-3

Independence Day by providing an opportunity for the people of the State to learn more about the

2-4

past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and be it further

2-5

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

2-6

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution Reverend Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.

=======

LC00849

=======