CORRECTED COPY
LRB-3447/1
CMH:skw
2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
June 21, 2023 - Introduced by Senators L. Johnson, Bradley, Carpenter, Larson,
Spreitzer, Pfaff, Roys, Hesselbein and Jacque, cosponsored by
Representatives Drake, Emerson, Neubauer, Ratcliff, Ohnstad, Subeck,
Vining, Bare, Ortiz-Velez, Shelton, Goyke, Doyle, C. Anderson,
Shankland, Joers, Considine, Brandtjen, Andraca, Dittrich, Palmeri,
Riemer, Allen, Hong, Sinicki, Cabrera, J. Anderson, Conley, Schraa,
Clancy, McGuire, Baldeh, Haywood, Myers, Stubbs, Moore Omokunde and
Madison. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.
SJR56,1,1
1Relating to: recognizing June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin.
SJR56,1,52
Whereas, Juneteenth Day is a national holiday that celebrates the end of
3slavery in the United States, and Juneteenth Day specifically commemorates June
419, 1865, the day that Union General Gordon Granger spoke in Galveston, Texas,
5proclaiming free the last remaining slaves in the United States; and
SJR56,1,86
Whereas, Union General Gordon Granger delivered this news to recognize the
7freedom of these men, and this proclamation was given nearly two and one-half
8years after the Emancipation Proclamation was declared; and
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Whereas, slavery in the United States lasted over 250 years and enslaved
10millions of African Americans in horrific conditions throughout all regions in the
11United States, including in Wisconsin, where hundreds of slaves were held illegally;
12and
SJR56,1,1513
Whereas, Juneteenth Day is officially observed in 47 states across the country,
14and Juneteenth Day has come to signify a celebration of African American freedom,
15achievement, and history; and
SJR56,2,7
1Whereas, Wisconsin has one of the nation's oldest and longest running
2Juneteenth celebrations due to Milwaukee's first celebration in 1971, which began
3when then-Northcott staff member Margaret Rogers told others how much she had
4enjoyed a Juneteenth Day celebration in Georgia. Based on Rogers's experience,
5Northcott decided to begin a similar tradition in Milwaukee—spearheaded in its
6early days by festival executive director Marvin Hannah and coordinator Jan
7Kemp-Cole—and the festival soon became the unofficial opening of summer; and
SJR56,2,98
Whereas, the following have had a positive, instrumental impact on
9Juneteenth:
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10• Executive directors and Juneteenth presidents: Joe Winston,
11MacArthur Weddle, and Tony A. Kearney Sr.
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12• Juneteenth directors and outstanding volunteers: Adriane Griffin,
13Adeline Pressie, Torre “ToJoe" Johnson, Tyrone Daniels, Robert Johnson, Ricky
14Townsell, LaMar Franklin, Ben Johnson, Yvonne Kemp, James Carroll, Michelle
15Crockett, Rep. Marcia P. Coggs, Rep. Annette Polly Williams, Rep. Lloyd Barbee,
16Ruben and Mildred Harpole, Jeanetta Simpson Robinson, Mother Claretta Simpson,
17and Word Warrior: Micheal McGee & KU
SJR56,2,20
18• Long-term organizational historical support: Girl Scouts; WNOV 860;
19Milwaukee Black newspapers Milwaukee Courier, Milwaukee Community Journal,
20and Milwaukee Times; Jammin 98.3 WFMR; WMCS 1290; and WAWA 1560; and
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Whereas, Juneteenth Day brings the African American community and
22persons of all races together in the fight for equality, and it is important as legislators
23to promote solidarity in this effort; and
SJR56,3,3
1Whereas, Juneteenth Day is typically celebrated in ways such as public
2readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, educational activities, parades,
3community festivals, and family gatherings; and
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Whereas, Juneteenth Day provides a time for a reflection on the history of the
5institution of slavery in the United States and Wisconsin, provides an opportunity
6to educate Americans about the history of slavery and emancipation, and provides
7an occasion to celebrate the continuing advancement of African Americans and
8freedom in the United States; now, therefore, be it
SJR56,3,10
9Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature
10hereby proclaims June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin.
