88R28984 CW-D
 
  By: Reynolds H.R. No. 1744
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
  is hosting its 2023 Juneteenth Celebration from June 9 to 17; and
         WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was promulgated on
  January 1, 1863, but it would 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; in 1979, Texas
  became the first state to make the celebration an official holiday,
  and a bill was passed in Congress in 2021 that established
  Juneteenth as a federal holiday; and
         WHEREAS, The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation
  was established in 2002 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; today, the 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 House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby commemorate the 2023 Missouri City Juneteenth
  Celebration and extend to all those participating sincere best
  wishes for a memorable and meaningful event.