HR0382 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0382 LRB102 18823 MST 27531 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Juneteenth recognizes the abolition of slavery in the United States and its territories in 1865; and

WHEREAS, President Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, freeing slaves throughout the south, but it was not until June 19, 1865, over two years later and over two months after General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, that slaves in Galveston, Texas received the news, making it the official end of slavery; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom from bondage and oppression; and

WHEREAS, Springfield's Juneteenth celebration begins on June 17, 2021 with the Levitt AMP Concert on the Y-block; on June 18, Juneteenth, Inc. will partner with the Illinois State Museum for a special art exhibit centered on Juneteenth titled Noir; a patio party at the museum and a rally at the Capitol will also be held that day; the Juneteenth Unity Parade and a festival at Comer Cox Park will be held June 19; the four-day celebration concludes with Fitness in the Park and an Outdoor Revival; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the City of Springfield's Juneteenth celebration as a time to reflect and to commemorate the end of slavery; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the City of Springfield and Juneteenth, Inc. as a symbol of our respect and esteem.