HCS HB 640 -- EMANCIPATION DAY (Walton)

This substitute designates June 19 of each year as "Emancipation
Day."  This day is also referred to as "Juneteenth," which
commemorates June 19, 1865, which was the day the last slaves
were informed of their freedom.

On this day, Missourians, government offices, and all
organizations are asked to devote part of the day to remembering
the Emancipation Proclamation by celebrating "Juneteenth" and
reaffirming their commitment to achieving equal justice and
opportunity.

The substitute creates the Missouri Juneteenth Heritage and Jazz
Festival and Memorial.  The substitute allows the General
Assembly to appropriate funds to establish a statewide festival
and monument to commemorate the struggles and hardships endured
by those who were enslaved.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am