HR0526 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0526 LRB095 12458 GRL 37614 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The institution of slavery was terminated in a complex series of events occurring during and immediately after the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, On June 19th, 1865, the last of the slaves held in bondage in the United States were set free; and

WHEREAS, All Americans benefit from and all Americans should remember and celebrate the ending of slavery and the joining together of all of our people in freedom; and

WHEREAS, Our free enterprise system is fundamentally at odds with slavery and has been strengthened by its elimination; and

WHEREAS, The African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois, located in Decatur, began in 1993 with 25 charter members; membership has grown to over 150 and the organization is the only one of its kind in downstate Illinois and is a non-profit organization; and

WHEREAS, Because it is essential that all citizens learn about African-American history, a splendid and glorious story often not taught in our public and private schools, the Society helps to stimulate interest in African history in general, which pre-dates 5000 B.C., and comprises the early history of all mankind; thus, the Society serves the entire community; and

WHEREAS, No single Day of Remembrance is currently established for the celebration of slavery's end; and

WHEREAS, The United States currently celebrates two national Days of Remembrance, "Flag Day" and "Pearl Harbor Day"; and

WHEREAS, The State of Texas and six other states currently celebrate "Juneteenth" on June 19th of each year to recall the end of slavery; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois presents its Juneteenth Celebration National Freedom Day Family Festival in memory of founding board member Judith Bond; this year, the organization will present its 14th Annual Juneteenth Family Festival Celebration in Decatur on June 15 and June 16, 2007; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois, and we commend the group for its work in the education of the citizens of Illinois regarding the rich cultural heritage of African Americans; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois and its Director, Evelyn Hood of Decatur, as an expression of our respect and esteem and with best wishes for the success of the Juneteenth Celebration.