Senate unanimously adopts Juneteenth resolution, urging remembrance and action

Senators on the California State Senate floor unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 183 recognizing Juneteenth, the chamber’s sponsor said, as a moment to remember the end of chattel slavery and to recommit to racial justice.

Senator Weber Pearson introduced the measure, recounting Juneteenth’s history and asking colleagues to approve the resolution. “Juneteenth commemorates the end of an atrocity of American chattel slavery,” he said, urging an ‘‘I’’ vote on SCR 183.

Lawmakers from multiple caucuses spoke in support. Senator Padilla said he rose on behalf of the Latino and LGBTQ caucuses and called Juneteenth “a call to action” rather than mere commemoration. Senator Smallwood Cuevas, speaking for the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, framed the holiday as a time to “remember and resist” racial violence. Senator Valladares described the day through a faith lens, and Senator Becker, vice chair of the Jewish caucus, urged preserving the historical record.

After brief closing remarks from Senator Weber Pearson, the secretary called the roll. The resolution passed by unanimous voice/roll call (Ayes 39, No 0), and the Senate moved on to other calendar business.

The action was ceremonial and declaratory rather than statutory: as a concurrent resolution it expresses the body’s position and recognition rather than creating new law. The measure coincides with Juneteenth events across districts and floor introductions of guests attending the session.