SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 962

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Limestone County 19th of June Organization on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and its celebration at Comanche Crossing; and

WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, the event that marked the end of slavery in Texas and throughout the South; and

WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was also read on the Stroud Plantation in Limestone County, and the planation's large population of newly freed slaves gathered at Comanche Crossing, on the banks of the Navasota River, to celebrate; the ensuing festivities became one of the first recognized Juneteenth celebrations in the nation's history; and

WHEREAS, The Stroud family later gave the land at Comanche Crossing to the freed slaves, and Juneteenth has since been celebrated each year at the site, known today as Booker T. Washington Park and situated on Lake Mexia; and

WHEREAS, For over 100 years, the Limestone County 19th of June Organization has worked to preserve the landmark site and to plan the annual Juneteenth celebration, and this year marks a truly special anniversary of this historic day in Texas history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Limestone County 19th of June Organization for their exemplary efforts to honor Juneteenth in Texas and extend to them best wishes for a memorable 150th anniversary Juneteenth celebration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Schwertner

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 22, 2015.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate