H*4731(Rat #0260, Act #0228 of 2008)  General Bill, By Mitchell, Govan, Harrell, 
Miller and Sellers
 AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION
 53-3-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE NINETEENTH DAY OF JUNE OF EACH YEAR IS
 DESIGNATED AS "JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM DAY" TO COMMEMORATE AND
 REFLECT ON THE FREEDOM OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS
 STATE AND NATION. - ratified title

   02/20/08  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-13
   02/20/08  House  Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial
                     Resolutions HJ-13
   02/21/08  House  Committee report: Favorable Invitations and
                     Memorial Resolutions HJ-3
   02/22/08         Scrivener's error corrected
   02/26/08  House  Read second time HJ-21
   02/27/08  House  Read third time and sent to Senate HJ-23
   02/27/08  Senate Introduced and read first time SJ-6
   02/27/08  Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary SJ-6
   02/29/08  Senate Referred to Subcommittee: Martin (ch), Malloy,
                     Campsen, Williams, Massey
   04/02/08  Senate Committee report: Favorable Judiciary SJ-10
   04/08/08  Senate Read second time SJ-11
   04/09/08  Senate Read third time and enrolled SJ-70
   05/08/08         Ratified R 260
   05/14/08         Signed By Governor
   05/27/08         Copies available
   05/27/08         Effective date 05/14/08
   06/04/08         Act No. 228

(A228, R260, H4731)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE NINETEENTH DAY OF JUNE OF EACH YEAR IS DESIGNATED AS "JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM DAY" TO COMMEMORATE AND REFLECT ON THE FREEDOM OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS STATE AND NATION.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Day, findings

SECTION    1.    The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(1)    On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, to enforce President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and declare freedom for all slaves. Each year afterward, former Texas slaves and their descendents joined in a celebration of freedom on June nineteenth, and the day became known as "Juneteenth".

(2)    Across our nation, Americans continue to celebrate Juneteenth, a day to reflect on the sufferings of slavery and to remember the joyful declaration of freedom. It is a time of rejoicing with family and friends and a time for planning the future.

(3)    In South Carolina, the Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Day gives us the opportunity to commemorate the heritage of our thriving African-American population. As we honor the courage and fortitude of their ancestors, we renew our commitment to combat injustice with the triumphant spirit of freedom.

Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Day, designated

SECTION    2.    Chapter 3, Title 53 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 53-3-85.    The nineteenth day of June of each year is designated as 'Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Day' to commemorate and reflect on the freedom of African Americans and their contributions to this State and nation."

Time effective

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 8th day of May, 2008.

Approved the 14th day of May, 2008.