88S30108 BK-D
 
  By: Leo-Wilson H.C.R. No. 22
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, Galveston holds a special place in American history
  as the birthplace of Juneteenth, the longstanding observance that
  commemorates the end of slavery in Texas and, more generally, in the
  United States as a whole; and
         WHEREAS, Juneteenth stems from the events of June 19, 1865,
  when the Union Army arrived in Galveston following the end of the
  Civil War; in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's
  Emancipation Proclamation, General Gordon Granger issued General
  Order No. 3, which proclaimed that all enslaved persons in Texas
  were free and that there would be "an absolute equality of personal
  rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves";
  during the months that followed, this news traveled across the
  state from Galveston and was joyously received by the approximately
  250,000 men, women, and children in Texas who had been living in
  bondage; and
         WHEREAS, The anniversary of this momentous event came to be
  known as "Juneteenth," and it has since been marked with a variety
  of festivities; during the 20th century, Juneteenth began growing
  in popularity beyond Texas as celebrations spread to cities such as
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota; in 1979, Texas
  became the first state to make Juneteenth an official state
  holiday, and Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal
  holiday, was established in 2021 by an act of Congress; and
         WHEREAS, Juneteenth is observed in Galveston with an array of
  special events, including a parade, an art exhibition, and a guided
  tour to historic sites; in 2021, a public mural entitled Absolute
  Equality was completed in downtown Galveston as an initiative of
  the Juneteenth Legacy Project; spanning 5,000 square feet, the
  vibrant and richly detailed mural by Reginald C. Adams depicts the
  origins of Juneteenth and the journey of Black Americans from
  slavery to freedom; and
         WHEREAS, Galveston's historical association with Juneteenth
  has made the city an important destination for those looking to
  reflect on a landmark moment for our nation and on the ideals of
  freedom, equality, and justice that the holiday represents, and it
  is indeed fitting that the city's seminal role in the Juneteenth
  observance be officially honored; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas,
  3rd Called Session, hereby designate Galveston as the official
  Juneteenth Capital of Texas; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
  391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
  until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
  passed by the legislature.