WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, but news of the Order to end slavery came slowly to frontier areas across the country; and
WHEREAS, June 19, 1865, is recognized as the date on which General Gordon Granger, upon arriving in Galveston, Texas, issued General Order Number Three, notifying the last enslaved Americans of their new legal status, almost two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and months after the conclusion of the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, prior to the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the Executive Order, but with the regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance; and
WHEREAS, the African-Americans who had been enslaved in the Southwest thereafter celebrated that date, commonly known as “Juneteenth Independence Day”, as the anniversary of their emancipation; and
WHEREAS, their descendants handed down that tradition from generation to generation as inspiration and encouragement for future generations; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the 152
th
anniversary of Juneteenth Independence Day, which calls for celebrations to honor the memory of all those who endured slavery, especially those who moved from slavery to freedom, and to encourage self-development and respect for all cultures; and
WHEREAS, the history behind celebrating Juneteenth should be remembered as the event continues to receive increased national, and even global, recognition; and
WHEREAS, the example of faith, strength and character of those who endured and overcame slavery remains a lesson for all Americans today, regardless of background, region, or race;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 149th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that June 19, 2017, is hereby recognized as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in the State of Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Delaware House of Representatives and Senate do hereby encourage the people of the State of Delaware to reflect upon the significant roles and many contributions of African-Americans to Delaware and our nation throughout history and today, and to celebrate this day with appropriate activities and events that honor this rich legacy.
