SRES 290
A resolution commemorating June 19, 2025, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which news of the end of slavery reached the slaves in the Southwestern States.
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Bill overview
This resolution officially recognizes June 19th of each year as Juneteenth National Independence Day. It honors the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Texas and the Southwest, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The resolution emphasizes the historical significance of Juneteenth and encourages continued nationwide celebrations to promote understanding of American history and the legacy of slavery. It also acknowledges the ongoing importance of recognizing the end of slavery’s impact on the nation.
Key provisions
- Designates June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day.
- Recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth.
- Supports the continued celebration of Juneteenth.
- Encourages learning about the history of slavery and its impact.
- Acknowledges Juneteenth as part of U.S. history and heritage.
Who is affected
- All Americans
- African Americans
- Descendants of enslaved people
- The United States
Notable changes
- Formalizes Juneteenth as a day of national observance.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Angus S., Jr. King
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
S. RES. 290
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
RESOLUTION
Commemorating June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth National Independence Day
in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which news of the end of slavery reached the slaves in the Southwestern States.
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 21/2 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 National Independence Day
, as inspiration and encouragement for future generations;
Whereas African Americans from the Southwest have continued the tradition of observing Juneteenth National Independence Day for more than 150 years;
Whereas Juneteenth National Independence Day began as a holiday in the State of Texas and is now a Federal holiday that is celebrated in all 50 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 National 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
That the Senate—
commemorates June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth National Independence Day
;
recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth National Independence Day to the United States;
supports the continued nationwide celebration of Juneteenth National 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
recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States.