Bill > SP0795

This joint resolution recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the United States. The resolution highlights that Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas, more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It notes that Juneteenth has been an important African-American holiday for 158 years, acknowledges the approximately 11.5 million Africans who survived the transatlantic slave trade, and emphasizes that the holiday was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021 and a state holiday in Maine in 2022. The resolution underscores the importance of recognizing Juneteenth to advance racial equity, human dignity, and justice, and formally resolves that the Members of the 132nd Legislature recognize the observance of Juneteenth on June 19, 2025, and encourage people in the state to participate in Juneteenth observances.

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?paper=SP0795&snum=132