The TEJCHC's Mission
Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural & Historical Commission is a state agency that was established in 1977 by the Texas Legislature.
Our mission is:
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To protect end preserve the state's Juneteenth cultural and historical resources for the use of, education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations.
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To expand the cultural and educational awareness of all Texans as it relates to Juneteenth;
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To encourage the utilization of resources toward the discovery of creative solutions to address the challenges facing Texas, i.e., cultural diversity, community development, education and social awareness;
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To ensure the continued growth and appreciation of Texas Juneteenth history and celebration;
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To educate Texans on the historic origin and movement of African Americans from Africa to the United States, Texas and abroad;
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To maintain independence while fostering positive interaction with state agencies, Juneteenth organizations; the public and private sector to help develop cultural, historical, and educational programming;
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To develop broad and diverse cultural and educational programs, and activities; and
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To build, erect, and develop monuments, markers, and institution throughout the State of Texas in honor of Juneteenth, the holiday, and freedom.
66th Legislature - Regular Session
Emancipation Day in Texas - Holidays
Chapter 481
H. B. No. 1016
An Act relating to a declaration of Emancipation Day in Texas as a legal holiday
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas
Section 1. Article 4591, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
Article 4591. Enumeration
The first day of January, the 19th day of January, the third Monday in February, the second day of March, the 21st day of April, the last Monday in May, the 19th day of June, the fourth day of July, the 27th day of August, the first Monday in September, the second Monday in October, the 11th day of November, the fourth Thursday in November, and the 25th day of December, of each year and everyday to which an election is held throughout the state, are declared legal holidays, on which all the public offices of the state may be closed and shall be considered and treated as Sunday for all purposes regarding the presenting for the payment of acceptance and of protesting for and giving notice of the dishonor of bills of exchange, bank checks and promissory notes placed by the law upon the footing of bills of exchange. The nineteenth day of January shall be known as “Confederate Heroes Day” in honor of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and other Confederate heroes. The 19th day of June is designated “Emancipation Day in Texas” in honor of the emancipation of the slaves in Texas on June 19th, 1865.
Section 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 1980.
Section 3. The importance of this legislation and the crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public necessity that the constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days in each house be suspended, and this rule it hereby suspended.
Passed by the House on May 4, 1979, by a non-record vote; House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. No. 1016 on May 26, 1979, by a non-record vote, passed by the Senate with amendments, on May 25, 1979: Yeas 29. Nays 1.
Approved June 7, 1979
Effective Jan. 1, 1980
Enacted by Representative Al Edwards
Signed by Governor William P. Clements, Jr. on June 13, 1979
Development
by: