* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Conaway
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
In Support of Annual Observance of Juneteenth
FOR the purpose of calling for an official Baltimore observance of Juneteenth on June 19th, 2011; supporting State Legislation to be introduced in the 2012 Session of the Maryland General Assembly naming June 19th an annual State observance of Juneteenth; respectfully urging the President of the United States to issue a Presidential Proclamation to declare Juneteenth a National Day of Observance, and exhorting the Maryland Delegation to the 112th U.S. Congress to support legislation to proclaim Juneteenth a national day of observance of the date enslavement ended in America.
body
Recitals
More than 10 years ago, the City Council adopted a resolution in support of proposed State legislation that sought to make June 19th a legal State holiday celebration of Juneteenth, commemorating "June 19, 1865, 10 weeks after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomatox, Union Major General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and drove the last nail of freedom into slavery's ignoble coffin, proclaiming - The people of Texas are informed all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights of property between master and slave."
The resolution continues: "General Granger's proclamation ignited a chain of spontaneous freedom celebrations that spread across state and throughout the southwest. These celebrations were by a people whose entire race, as it existed in America, had been torn from their homeland and deposited on foreign soil, robbed of their birthright and family structure, and subjected to the chains of bondage and the indignity of servitude. African-Americans, whose only hope of freedom had come with the cold reality of death, for the first time were able to rejoice in the hope of a better future in this life."
Although the legislation proposed in Maryland did not pass, the 2011 National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign Chair reports that 36 other states now recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or state holiday observance day. In addition to Maryland, the other states that do not recognize Juneteenth are Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Utah.
On May 10, 2011, the Kansas Senate unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the observance of an annual Juneteenth Day, citing, in part: "Many African-Americans continue the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth as inspiration and encouragement for future generations, and for more than 140 years, Juneteenth Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. The faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves remains an example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race.
National Campaign officials predict that this year 40 states will observe Juneteenth and that, at long last, the President of the United States will proclaim Juneteenth a National Observance Day. As a City and a State, we enjoy a rich African-American history and have benefitted significantly from the contributions of a people once enslaved. It would be unconscionable to continue to officially ignore the end of that enslavement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body calls for an official Baltimore observance of Juneteenth on June 19th, 2011; supports State Legislation to be introduced in the 2012 Session of the Maryland General Assembly naming June 19th an annual state observance of Juneteenth; respectfully urges the President of the United States to issue a Presidential Proclamation to declare Juneteenth a National Day of Observance, and exhorts the Maryland Delegation to the 112th U.S. Congress to support legislation to proclaim Juneteenth a national day of observance of the date enslavement ended in America.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the President, the Mayor, the Governor, the Honorable Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegations to the 2011 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the Chair of the 2011 National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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