HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 19
(By Delegates Spencer, Marshall, Moore, Anderson, Andes, Argento,
Armstead, Ashley, Azinger, Barker, Beach, Blair, Boggs, Border,
Browning, Burdiss, Campbell, Cann, Canterbury, Caputo,
Carmichael, Cowles, Crosier, DeLong, Eldridge, Ellem, Ellis,
Ennis, Evans, Fragale, Frederick, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hartman,
Hatfield, Higgins, Hrutkay, Hutchins, Iaquinta, Ireland, Kessler,
Klempa, Kominar, Lane, Long, Longstreth, Mahan, Manchin, Martin,
Michael, Miley, C. Miller, J. Miller, Morgan, Moye, Overington,
Palumbo, Paxton, Perdue, Pethtel, Pino, D. Poling, Porter,
Rodighiero, Romine, Rowan, Schadler, Schoen, Shaver, Stalnaker,
Stemple, Stephens, Sumner, Swartzmiller, Talbott, Tansill, Mr.
Speaker, Mr. Thompson, Tucker, Varner, Walters, Webster, Wells,
White, Williams, Wysong and Yost.)
Designating June 19, as "Juneteenth Day of Recognition."
Whereas, The year 2005 marked the 140th year anniversary of
"Juneteenth", the historical event of 1865 in Galveston, Texas,
when on June 19, 1865, word of the emancipation proclamation
reached the enslaved; and
Whereas, In the 142 years since that date, African Americans
have made this one of the most important events and celebrations of the year; and
Whereas, The 140th year anniversary of "Juneteenth" occurred in
2005, with celebrations in the United States and many other parts
of the world commemorating this significant historical event in
American history. "Juneteenth" is a reference point from which to
appreciate the progress and contributions made by African Americans
to this society; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House of Delegates hereby designates June 19, as
"Juneteenth" a day of reflection and renewal, a day to honor and
respect the sufferings of slavery, a day to acknowledge the evils
of slavery and its aftermath, a day to think about that moment in
time when the enslaved in Galveston, Texas received word of their
freedom, a day for people of all races, nationality and ethnic
background to join together to support and participate in
"Juneteenth"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the House of Delegates invites all
members of the West Virginia Legislature and all citizens of the
great State of West Virginia to join it on every June 19th in
recognizing and celebrating that historical event of 1865 in
Galveston, Texas, known as "Juneteenth".