The Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission
Goals
and Objectives
The Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission is now officially organized and well underway with the business and purpose in which it was created for by the Texas Legislature through House Bill 1216, sponsored by Representative Al Edwards during the 76th Legislature in 1977.
The Commission is composed of six (6) members appointed by the Governor; five (5) ex officio members, one of which is the Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission; two (2) members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; and two (2) members were appointed by the Speaker of the House.
The first official meeting was held June 6, 1998 in Austin, Texas, Representative AI Edwards called the meeting to order. Members present were Stella Holland of Austin, Eddie Richardson of Lubbock, Dr. Maceo Dailey of El Paso, Lynda Tart of Houston, Byron Miller of San Antonio, and Willard Stimpson of Dallas. Representatives were present for Senator Rodney Ellis, Senator Royce West, and Representative Patricia Gray. Larry Oaks of the Texas Historical Commission and Representative Al Edwards were also present. The Commission unanimously elected Representative Al Edwards as permanent Chair for the life or duration of the Commission. The Commission is now functioning according to the directives set out in House Bill (HB) 1216 (state law), and will develop goals, objectives, plans, and time tables in order to reach those directives.
The Commission will meet quarterly unless otherwise called by the Chair, or requested by the members. All official meetings will be posted with the Texas Register seven (7) working days prior to the meeting, and all members will be given written notice. The Commission will make an annual report of its financial transactions. This report will be forwarded to the General Appropriations Committee and Legislative Budget Board.
History in the Making
Contrary to popular belief, the Emancipation Proclamation did not make June 19 a holiday.
"After the 1964 Civil Rights Bill was signed, blacks had begun to celebrate the 4th of July in greater proportions.” - Quote taken from Rep. Al Edwards
Unfortunately, the 4 th of July (Independence Day) did not bring about the abolishment of slavery. Juneteenth was all but forgotten until the passing of House Bill 1016. Consequently, June 19th is celebrated as an official holiday only because in 1979 during the 66th Legislature, Texas State Representative Al Edwards sponsored and passed into law House Bill 1016 making Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) an official state holiday.
Goals and Objectives
The Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission is actively moving toward achieving its goals, some of which have already been accomplished.
The Commission set a goal to have all administrative, financial, and legal systems in place by December 1998. However, that goal was accomplished in January 1999. The Commission will also create an Advisory Committee for the purpose of directing the establishment of a monument The Commission is utilizing and working with numerous entities including the Texas Historical Commission, the Attorney General, the Texas Comptroller, and the Texas Register.
The projection of establishing the administrative and general roles of the Commission was completed with the passing of House Bill 1216, which details the operations and powers of the Commission. Legislation to set up monuments and to extend the Commission under the Sunset Act is currently underway with the introduction of House Bills 3965 and 1368.
Other goals include the coordination of various City councils, school districts, and education groups in order to recommend that information regarding Juneteenth be introduced into the curriculum by the year 2000. Eventually, the Commission intends to incorporate Juneteenth information into text books as a part of Texas and African-American History.
By April 1999 the Commission anticipates extending its goals to the coordination of organizations that currently participate in Juneteenth functions. Efforts will be made by the Commission to review present activities of local organizations to insure an accurate presentation of Juneteenth is exhibited. In addition, the Commission intends to pool local event coordinators into a major event targeted for the year 2000.
Long Term Goals
One of the long term goals of the Commission is to establish a permanent office located in the Capitol Complex to serve as a main base for all administrative, legislative, and interagency functions. The target date for this prefect is September 1, 1999.
Second, the Commission intends to establish a permanent National Juneteenth Cultural Center and Museum, in addition to creating an educational institution for research and development. Along the same lines, the Commission anticipates having a Juneteenth park and recreational center. The center will be used for Juneteenth affairs as well as other community and cultural events.
Media Goals
By April 1, 1999, the Commission plans to nave a complete circuit of media outlets available for use. All press statements surrounding the Commission, its goals, and Juneteenth activities should be ready for distribution by April 15.1999. Talk show appearances for May and June will be arranged by April 15, 1999. Public Service Announcements will be ready to air on television and radio networks by May 1,1999.
A Juneteenth Activity Blueprint
Any Juneteenth activity should focus on the education and dissemination of information. The activity should include information for all Texans - black or white, young or old concerning the significance and true meaning of Emancipation Juneteenth).
Juneteenth activities should include the following: the history, the meaning of the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863, and why President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation document. Background information on the economic and social status of the people (spiritual beliefs, dress, diet, and life style) including other facts particular to each group in that era.
Secondly, information about the passing of House Bill 1016 is vital to any Juneteenth program. Representative Edwards faced opposition from blacks, as well as other groups concerning the bill- As a matter of fact, some people felt there were too many state laws. At the same time, the progress of the holiday since its inception is an important part of the holiday's history. After the bill became law, different cities throughout the state organized to define goals and objectives pertaining to Juneteenth, included in any research of the holiday should be the social and political status of African-American's after the passing of House Bill 1016.
Finally, a Juneteenth program or activity should never focus solely on the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It should always include the multifaceted background of this holiday.
Juneteenth Legislation Pending
House Resolution 383
This resolution grants the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission permission to use the House Chamber on Thursday, June 3, 1999, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. That day will be set aside as the official opening of the Juneteenth celebration season for Texas and the Nation. Along with the opening ceremonies, the Commissioners will be honored at the Emancipators Awards ceremony. Goal; Pass by April 1,1999
House Bill 1368
HB 1368 relates to the monument to be erected on the Capitol grounds depicting the Emancipation and freedom of slaves in Texas, The bill also calls for the erection of monuments and markers at other locations around the state. Goal: Pass by May 1,1999
House Bill 1865
HB 1865 details the operation and powers of the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Historical and Cultural Commission. This bill, in accordance wiih the Sunset Act, also extends the Commission until the year 2011. Goal: Pass by May 31, 1999.
Reaching out Nationally
It is the intention of the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission that Texas serves as the umbrella under which other states develop Juneteenth organizations. The Commission anticipates creating a structure that will enable other states to participate with Texas in celebrating this holiday. Therefore, it is the desire of the Commission to have its Congressional Representatives formally recognize the accomplishments of Texas, as it relates to Juneteenth.
Texas took the lead rote in the recognition of and establishment of Juneteenth. In turn the Commission wants its Congressional Representatives to participate in the continued efforts of Texas to awareness of Emancipation (Juneteenth).
Fund-raising
The Fund-raising goal of the Commission is to raise funds in total of a million dollars by a variety of means. The organization will seek out institutions that may want to contribute through grants, donations, or matching funds. Private corporations will also be approached to donate items and property.
Development
by: