* 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 Kraft
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
November 1, 2014 - Maryland's 150th Emancipation Day
FOR the purpose of joining with all Marylanders in recognizing November 1, 2014 as Maryland Emancipation Day and celebrating the 150th anniversary of this momentous day for our state's freedom and democracy.
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Recitals
WHEREAS, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 had only freed slaves in rebel states, of which Maryland was not one, leaving it to the states fighting on the Union side to emancipate any slaves within their borders.
WHEREAS, on November 1, 1864, Maryland adopted a new constitution, ratified by the people of Maryland, that abolished slavery, making it the first state with slaves to voluntarily free them by popular vote.
WHEREAS, individual communities in Maryland have commemorated this event with emancipation day celebrations annually since the end of the Civil War.
WHEREAS, in 2013 the Maryland General Assembly recognized the importance of this date to Maryland and American history by adopting a law requiring the Governor to proclaim November 1 of each year as Maryland Emancipation Day.
WHEREAS, November 1, 2014 will mark the 150th anniversary of this momentous day for all Marylanders.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that the Council joins with all Marylanders in recognizing November 1, 2014 as Maryland Emancipation Day and celebrating the 150th anniversary of this momentous day for our state's freedom and democracy.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Governor, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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