[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 163 Introduced in House (IH)]







107th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 163

Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day 
  and expressing the sense of Congress that history be regarded as a 
   means of understanding the past and solving the challenges of the 
                                future.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 14, 2001

Mr. Watts of Oklahoma (for himself and Mr. Davis of Illinois) submitted 
    the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the 
                     Committee on Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day 
  and expressing the sense of Congress that history be regarded as a 
   means of understanding the past and solving the challenges of the 
                                future.

Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the country 
        until long after the conclusion of the Civil War, especially in the 
        Southwestern United States;
Whereas the African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest thereafter 
        celebrated June 19, known as Juneteenth Independence Day, as the 
        anniversary of their emancipation;
Whereas these African Americans handed down that tradition from generation to 
        generation as an inspiration and encouragement for future generations;
Whereas Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have thus been held for 136 
        years to honor the memory of all those who endured slavery and 
        especially those who moved from slavery to freedom; and
Whereas the faith and strength of character shown by these former slaves remains 
        an example for all people of the United States, regardless of 
        background, region, or race: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That--
            (1) Congress recognizes the historical significance of 
        Juneteenth Independence Day, an important date in the Nation's 
        history, and encourages the continued celebration of this day 
        to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States 
        to learn more about the past and to better understand the 
        experiences that have shaped the Nation; and
            (2) it is the sense of Congress that--
                    (A) history be regarded as a means for 
                understanding the past and solving the challenges of 
                the future;
                    (B) the celebration of the end of slavery is an 
                important and enriching part of the history and 
                heritage of the United States; and
                    (C) a copy of this joint resolution should be 
                transmitted to the National Association of Juneteenth 
                Lineage as an expression of appreciation for its role 
                in promoting the observance of the end of slavery.
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