Kyle City Council Juneteenth Proclamation

City Council Proclamation

WHEREAS, After the Texas Revolution ended in 1836, the Constitution of the Republic of Texas legalized slavery and forbade any slave owner from freeing slaves without the consent of the Texas Congress.

WHEREAS, On January 1st, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which freed slaves throughout the United States, including the recently annexed state of Texas.

WHEREAS, For 2.5 years following the Emancipation Proclamation, widespread slavery continued in Texas.

WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, federal authority was established in Texas when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston. Granger proclaimed the end of slavery for 250,000 African Americans as well as the end of the Confederacy. General Gordon’s order read, in part:

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

WHEREAS, General Granger’s order is now remembered throughout the United States as "Juneteenth," celebrating that declaration of emancipation, and was declared an official holiday in the state of Texas in 1980 thanks to the efforts of state legislator Al Edwards.

WHEREAS, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the City Council of Kyle, Texas, that Friday the 19th day of June 2020 should also be recognized as

“Juneteenth Freedom Day”

in recognition of the spirit of Juneteenth that celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while also encouraging continuous self-development, respect for all cultures, and equal treatment under the laws of the United States of America.

It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at which this resolution was passed was open to the public as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Local Government Code, and that public notice of the time, place, and purpose of said meeting was given as required by said Act.

This resolution shall take effect from and after the date of its passage as authorized by the Charter of the City of Kyle, Texas.

SIGNED AND ENTERED THIS 16th DAY OF JUNE 2020.