HCS HB 640 -- EMANCIPATION DAY

This bill designates June 19 of each year as "Emancipation Day."
This day is also referred to as "Juneteenth," which commemorates
June 19, 1865, the day former slaves in Galveston, Texas,
celebrated the ending of slavery.

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 bill creates the Missouri Juneteenth Heritage and Jazz
Festival and Memorial.  The bill 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.

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