79S32134 JNC-D

By:  Dukes                                                        H.R. No. 782



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Members of the St. Mary's Colony Association 
Juneteenth Committee have done much to preserve the history of 
their community, recognizing its significance to the rich heritage 
of our state; and
	WHEREAS, Established shortly after emancipation, St. Mary's 
Colony was founded in Bastrop County by two former slave families; 
this African American farming community once had a population of 
more than 300, though most inhabitants moved from the colony to 
pursue opportunities in the city of Austin after World War II; and
	WHEREAS, Today, many former residents travel back to St. 
Mary's Colony to celebrate June 19 or "Juneteenth" as Emancipation 
Day, for it was on that date in 1865 that African American slaves in 
this state finally gained the freedom previously conferred by the 
Emancipation Proclamation; and
	WHEREAS, The St. Mary's Colony Association Juneteenth 
Committee organizes an annual commemoration of this important 
event, and the men and women who lend their time to this worthy 
endeavor are: Alvesta Freeman, James Wilson, Clifton Bolden, Obrey 
Smith, Dennis Franklin, Lee Porter, Robbie Landrum, Kenneth Smith, 
James Doyle, Robert Smith, Rex Freeman, Leonard Smith, Edward 
Doyle, James Freeman, Minnie Brown, Margie Butler, Sylvester 
Prosser, Mattie Ates, Lawrence Prosser, A. C. Freeman, Edward 
Freeman, and Earlee Freeman; and
	WHEREAS, Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in the 
remarkable saga of the Lone Star State, and the St. Mary's Colony 
Association Juneteenth Committee is to be congratulated for its 
excellent work in organizing a day of remembrance, rejoicing, and 
renewal of purpose; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend the efforts of the 
St. Mary's Colony Association Juneteenth Committee and extend to 
its members best wishes for a meaningful celebration; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the committee as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.