Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Juneteenth Independence Day

Washington D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins commemorating today, June 19, 2020, as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” the observance of the end of slavery in the United States.  

“Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery and the conclusion of a dark chapter in our nation’s history.  Although our society has made significant progress since the first celebration in 1865, a series of recent tragedies have served as a reminder that racial injustice still taints our country,” said Senator Collins. “This resolution commemorates Juneteenth Independence Day, emphasizes the importance of teaching about our past, and encourages us to continue striving toward the American ideal of ensuring that everyone—regardless of race or ethnicity—is treated equally.” 

The text of the resolution is below:

Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach the frontier areas of the United States, in particular the State of Texas and the other Southwestern States, until months after the conclusion of the Civil War, more than 2 ½ years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863;

Whereas, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were free;

Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as “Juneteenth Independence Day”, as inspiration and encouragement for future generations;

Whereas African Americans from the Southwest have continued the tradition of observing Juneteenth Independence Day for more than 150 years;

Whereas Juneteenth Independence Day began as a holiday in the State of Texas and is now celebrated in 46 States and the District of Columbia as a special day of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all slaves in the United States;

Whereas Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures;

Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves and the descendants of former slaves remain an example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race;

Whereas slavery was not officially abolished until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States in December 1865; and

Whereas, over the course of its history, the United States has grown into a symbol of democracy and freedom around the world: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates June 19, 2020, as “Juneteenth Independence Day”;

(2) recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United States;

(3) supports the continued nationwide celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the United States; and

(4) recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States.