This resolution formally recognizes former Texas State Representative Al Edwards as the "father of Juneteenth" for his lifelong dedication to establishing June 19th as a recognized holiday.
Al Green
Representative
TX-9
This resolution formally recognizes former Texas State Representative Al Edwards as the "father of Juneteenth" for his decades of dedicated work. It honors his pivotal role in successfully advocating for Juneteenth to become both a Texas state holiday and a national federal holiday. The document serves as an official statement of appreciation for his extraordinary efforts in securing this vital recognition.
Resolution Formally Names Al Edwards 'Father of Juneteenth,' Citing Decades of Advocacy
This resolution is a formal, commemorative statement recognizing the life and work of former Texas State Representative Al Edwards, officially designating him as the “father of Juneteenth.” The document seeks to appreciate his decades-long effort to establish June 19th as a recognized state and federal holiday, marking the day enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free in 1865.
The Legislative Architect of Juneteenth
For those who only know Juneteenth as a recent federal holiday, this resolution shines a light on the person who did the heavy lifting. The text details how Al Edwards was the first legislator to successfully pass a law making Juneteenth a state holiday in Texas, a crucial step that paved the way for national recognition. This resolution is essentially a long-overdue official thank you for making sure that history—and the end of slavery—was properly acknowledged in the legislative books.
Beyond the Holiday: A Life of Activism
While the holiday is his most famous legacy, the resolution reminds us that Edwards’s work was much broader. It notes his career dedication to human rights causes, including founding Operation Justus to help people with social issues. He even served as the Texas State Director for Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaigns and chaired the Democratic National Committee’s Black Caucus for six years. The resolution highlights his commitment to justice by pointing out he was arrested in 1987 for peacefully protesting apartheid in South Africa—a detail that shows his activism wasn't limited to the state house, but was global.
Why This Matters Now
For most people, a resolution like this doesn't change your daily routine, but it does matter for the historical record and civic education. By formally recognizing Edwards, the resolution solidifies the narrative around how Juneteenth became a holiday. It ensures that the story of this crucial piece of American history includes the name of the legislative champion who fought for its recognition. Section 2 confirms this recognition and appreciation, ensuring his efforts are permanently documented in the legislative record. It’s a clean, clear piece of legislation that simply gives credit where it is due.