Senate reads bipartisan Juneteenth citation, schedules press conference

Senators introduced a bipartisan citation recognizing Juneteenth and reaffirming the Legislature’s commemoration of that date. Senator Andrade asked the clerk to read the citation, which recited the historical background of the Emancipation Proclamation and Major General Gordon Granger’s June 19, 1865 proclamation in Texas, and noted Utah’s 2016 House Bill 338 establishing Juneteenth Freedom Day as a state commemorative observance.

Sen. Andrade told the chamber a press conference would be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Hall of Governors to discuss the citation and proposals tied to it, and expressed the view that the observance provides an opportunity for unity and for the Legislature to listen to communities of color. The clerk’s reading emphasized the historical facts memorialized by Juneteenth and the legislature’s decision in 2016 to recognize a commemorative observance in Utah.

The recognition drew unanimous assent on the floor; senators spoke briefly in favor of remembering the history and moving forward in a way that protects constitutional rights and seeks equity. The Senate planned the press conference to provide further context and outreach to constituents.