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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Residents of Garland are gathering together on |
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June 17, 2023, for the city's annual Juneteenth Celebration; and |
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WHEREAS, The oldest known observance commemorating the end of |
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slavery in the United States, Juneteenth specifically celebrates |
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the emancipation of African American slaves in Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger |
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arrived in Galveston with federal troops to provide military |
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support for Reconstruction efforts and to enforce President Abraham |
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Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation; that same day, General |
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Granger read publicly his General Order No. 3, which proclaimed |
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that all slaves were undeniably free from that date onward and that |
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there would be "an absolute equality of rights and rights of |
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property between former masters and slaves"; and |
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WHEREAS, The commemoration of this momentous event became |
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known as "Juneteenth," and celebrations grew over the decades to |
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encompass recitations of the Emancipation Proclamation, readings |
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by notable people, and such activities as singing, parades, rodeos, |
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street fairs, and cookouts; the celebration in Garland will be held |
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at Audubon Park, and festivities will include speakers, an essay |
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contest, food trucks, and live music by the Rob Holbert Group, as |
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well as a children's activity area and a space for reflection; and |
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WHEREAS, More than 150 years after emancipation was |
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proclaimed in Texas, Juneteenth continues to inspire gatherings |
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that honor the myriad achievements and immeasurable fortitude of |
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the African American community in the Lone Star State; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the Garland 2023 Juneteenth |
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Celebration and extend to all those in attendance sincere best |
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wishes for a meaningful and memorable event. |