[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 368 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 368

   Encouraging Americans to recognize the historical significance of 
  Emancipation Day to the Virgin Islands of the United States and the 
                                Nation.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 5, 2023

    Ms. Plaskett (for herself and Mr. Reschenthaler) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight 
                           and Accountability

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Encouraging Americans to recognize the historical significance of 
  Emancipation Day to the Virgin Islands of the United States and the 
                                Nation.

Whereas, prior to July 3, 1848, many Africans were held as chattel slaves on the 
        islands of the Danish West Indies, now the Virgin Islands of the United 
        States;
Whereas, on July 3, 1848, enslaved people of African descent on these islands 
        took their freedom after years of brutality and suffering;
Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these islands was a significant 
        moment in history that marked the end of centuries of oppression, and 
        ushered in an era of freedom, hope, and opportunity;
Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these islands is a testament to 
        the strength and resilience of the human spirit;
Whereas the emancipation of enslaved Africans on these islands is part of the 
        history of abolitionism and emancipation in the United States;
Whereas the United States abolished slavery on December 6, 1865, upon 
        ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution;
Whereas the United States has a rich cultural heritage that has been furthered 
        by its history of abolitionism and emancipation;
Whereas the Virgin Islands of the United States has made significant 
        contributions to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the United 
        States, and its people have served the United States in every war and 
        conflict since the Revolutionary War, contributed to every facet of life 
        in the United States, and played an important role in shaping the 
        history and identity of the Nation;
Whereas, for 175 years, Emancipation Day celebrations have been held to honor 
        the strength of African descendants on the islands now known as the 
        Virgin Islands of the United States, who fought valiantly for their 
        freedom;
Whereas the recognition of July 3, 2023, as the 175th observance of the 
        emancipation of enslaved Africans in the Virgin Islands of the United 
        States provides an opportunity for all people of the United States to 
        reflect on the legacy of emancipation and the struggle for justice and 
        equality; and
Whereas the courage of the heroes of emancipation in the Virgin Islands of the 
        United States and the United States as a whole serves to connect Virgin 
        Islanders and all Americans to their past, and to reinforce their 
        unwavering commitment to preserve, protect, and defend freedom: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That--
            (1) the House of Representatives--
                    (A) encourages Americans to recognize the 
                historical significance of Emancipation Day to the 
                Virgin Islands of the United States and the Nation; and
                    (B) supports the continued celebration of 
                Emancipation Day for the American people to--
                            (i) learn more about the past;
                            (ii) better understand the experiences that 
                        have shaped the Nation; and
                            (iii) maintain their unwavering commitment 
                        to preserve, protect, and defend human rights 
                        and freedom; and
            (2) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that 
        the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and 
        enriching part of the history and heritage of the United 
        States.
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