HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Number 71

(By Delegate Rowe)

[Introduced February 7, 2020]

Urging Congress to recognize June 19 as “Juneteenth Nation Freedom Day” as a national holiday.

Whereas, An historical event occurred in 1865 in Galveston, Texas, when on June 19, 1865, Union General Granger proclaimed to all slaves in the south word of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. For approximately 155 years since that date African Americans together with peoples of many nations, colors and creeds and have made this one of the most important events and celebrations of the year; and

Whereas, Americans of all colors, creeds, cultures, religions, and countries-of-origin, share in a common love of and respect for “freedom”, as well as a determination to protect their right to freedom through democratic institutions, by which the “tenets-of-freedom” are guaranteed and protected. The “19th of June” or Juneteenth Independence Day, along with the “4th of July”, completes the “cycle of freedom” for America’s Independence Day observances. “Until All are Free, None are Free” is an oft repeated maxim that can be used to highlight the significance of the end of the era of slavery in the United States; therefore be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That Congress is hereby urged to recognize June 19 as “Juneteenth Nation Freedom Day” as a national holiday; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate and to the West Virginia members of Congress.