LRB-0805/1
CMH:jld
2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE
June 2, 2017 - Introduced by Senators L. Taylor, Johnson, Bewley, Carpenter,
Cowles, Hansen, Larson, Miller, Ringhand, Risser, Roth, Shilling,
Vinehout and Wirch, cosponsored by Representatives Young,
Fields, Bowen,
Crowley, Zamarripa, Allen, Berceau, Goyke, Hebl, Hintz, Kessler,
Kooyenga, Mason, Milroy, Murphy, Ohnstad, Riemer, Sargent, Sinicki,
Spreitzer, Subeck, C. Taylor, Tusler, Vruwink, Wachs, Zepnick and Pope.
Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.
SJR55,1,1
1Relating to: recognizing June 19, 2017, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin.
SJR55,1,52
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
SJR55,1,86
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
SJR55,1,129
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
SJR55,1,1513
Whereas, Juneteenth Day is officially observed in 43 states across the country,
14and Juneteenth Day has come to signify a celebration of African-American freedom,
15achievement, and history; and
SJR55,2,3
1Whereas, Juneteenth Day brings the African-American community and
2persons of all races together in the fight for equality, and it is important as legislators
3to promote solidarity in this effort; and
SJR55,2,64
Whereas, Juneteenth Day is typically celebrated in ways such as public
5readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, the singing of songs, and family
6gatherings; and
SJR55,2,117
Whereas, Juneteenth Day provides a time for a mature reflection on the history
8of the institution of slavery in the United States and Wisconsin, provides an
9opportunity to educate Americans about the history of slavery and emancipation,
10and provides an occasion to celebrate the continuing advancement of
11African-Americans and freedom in the United States; now, therefore, be it
SJR55,2,13
12Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature
13hereby proclaims June 19, 2017, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin.
