CA AR106

Assembly recognizes June 19, 2018, as Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, freeing the last enslaved people in America, nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Urges Californians to celebrate Juneteenth to honor the significant contributions of African Americans to United States history and their commitment to promoting unity and equality.

Notes that 39 states including California (since 2003) and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or state holiday observance.