Recognizing, honoring and commemorating Juneteenth as the day that abolished slavery more than 144 years ago.

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest celebratory African American observance of freedom in the United States and is an historic milestone reminding Americans of the triumph of the human spirit over the harshness of slavery. The celebration honors our ancestors who survived the inhumane bondage and demonstrates the pride in their legacy of perseverance; and

WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation having been issued on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, had minimal immediate effect on the majority of slaves; and

WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Grangers and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Confederate controlled Texas to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of slaves; and

WHEREAS, Two years, five months, and eighteen days after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the last of those enslaved within the borders of the United States were freed leading to an eruption of celebration; and

WHEREAS, Over 30 Philadelphia community organizations and communities across the country alike host a variety of events commemorating Juneteenth; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes, honors, and commemorates Juneteenth as the day that abolished slavery 144 years ago.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution to be presented to Philadelphia Juneteenth Coalition as a symbol of this legislative body's sincere respect for the precepts that are embodied in this observance.

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