87R18455 TBO-D
 
  By: Reynolds H.R. No. 1332
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
  is hosting its 2021 Juneteenth Celebration from June 14 to 19, 2021;
  and
         WHEREAS, In 2002, city council member Don Smith enlisted
  residents, local businesses, and civic leaders in the effort to
  develop an event highlighting the profound historical importance of
  the Emancipation Proclamation; the Missouri City Juneteenth
  Celebration Foundation was established with the goals of organizing
  culturally relevant activities, creating programs to nurture young
  talent, and bringing together families from all backgrounds in a
  wholesome and inspiring setting; and
         WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was promulgated on
  January 1, 1863, but it could not be enforced in Texas until after
  the Civil War; on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the
  Union Army arrived in Galveston and that same day issued General
  Order No. 3, declaring the freedom of all those held in bondage;
  emancipated men and women marked the first anniversary of this date
  in 1866, and over the years, Juneteenth became a proud celebration
  of a momentous milestone in this nation's history; and
         WHEREAS, African Americans who moved away from Texas took the
  Juneteenth tradition with them, and it was embraced nationally; in
  1979, Texas became the first state to make the celebration an
  official holiday; today, Missouri City's Juneteenth program has
  grown to encompass a wide variety of activities, including a
  kick-off reception, a parade, a community service awards gala, and
  a golf tournament as well as musical performances; the Freedom
  Tree, located in Freedom Tree Park, serves as a focal point and
  symbol of African American resilience; and
         WHEREAS, The much-anticipated Juneteenth celebration in
  Missouri City provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on African
  Americans' long road to freedom and to recognize their immeasurable
  contributions to the building of this country over the centuries;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 2021 Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration
  be commemorated and that all those participating be extended
  sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful event.