Senate Joint Resolution No. 21

WHEREAS, approximately eleven and one-half million African-Americans survived the voyage to the New World--the number that died is likely greater--only to be subjected to whipping, castration, branding and rape, and forced to submit to slavery for more than 200 years after their arrival in the United States; and

WHEREAS, events in the history of the United States which led to the Civil War of 1861 centered around sectional differences between the North and South that were based on the economic and social divergence caused by the existence of slavery; and

WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurates as President of the United States in 1861. As President, Lincoln believed and stated that the paramount object of the Civil War was to save the Union rather than save or destroy slavery. Yet Lincoln stated his wish that "all men everywhere could be free", thus adding to a growing anticipation by slaves that their ultimate liberation was at hand; and

WHEREAS, in 1862, the first clear signs that the end of slavery was imminent came when laws abolishing slavery in the territories of Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico were passed. In September of that same year, President Lincoln warned the eleven rebellious Confederate States that if htey did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863, he would declare their slaves "forever free" via the celebrated "Emancipation Proclamation"; and

WHEREAS, enforcement of the "Emancipation Proclamation", however, only occurred in Confederate States once under Union Army control. Congress subsequently passed the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution on January 31, 1865, abolishing slavery throughout the United States and its territories. News of this action reached the states at different times, and it was not until June 19, 1865, that the message of freedom reached the slaves in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and California; and

WHEREAS, spontaneous celebrations erupted throughout the country when African-Americans learned of their freedom. Juneteenth National Freedom Day demonstrates that slaves hated slavery and celebrated its abolishment with excitement and great joy. It is a reminder to all Americans of the status and importance of Americans of African descent as American citizens.

Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 2nd Session of the 44th Oklahoma Legislature:

...

SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 82.4 of Title 25, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

The third Saturday in June of each year is hereby declared an official holiday, to be known as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day".

SECTION 3. The Secretary of State is hereby directed to distribute copies of this resolution to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

SECTION 4. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

Approved May 2, 1994.

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