National Juneteenth Observance Foundation
Celebration of Freedom
Below are brief references to the recent legislative resolutions passed in both the United States House of Representatives and Senate recognizing ‘Juneteenth Independence Day’ as historically significant.
S. Res. 496 (Passed - 6/19/12)
In 1997, during the 105th Congress, a historic joint Juneteenth resolution was passed by the Congress of the United States through Senate Joint Resolution 11, introduced by Senator Trent Lott (R-MS), and House Joint Resolution 56, introduced by Congressman J. C. Watts, Jr. (R-OK), recognizing the "19th of June" as Juneteenth Independence Day in America.