Wednesday, February 27, 2008

South Carolina May Recognize End Of Slavery

South Carolina May Recognize End Of Slavery

POSTED: 9:28 am EST February 27, 2008


COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The House has approved a bill to officially recognize the freeing of slaves.

The bill would "Juneteenth" to commemorate the June 19th, 1865, announcement by Union soldiers arriving in Texas that the war was over and all slaves were free.

Ronald Myers with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation says South Carolina would be the 28th state to permanently recognize the day. The state has used temporary resolutions in the past.

Spartanburg Representative Harold Mitchell says a bill would prevent the annual passages of resolutions to honor the day.

The bill was approved without debate yesterday. It could go to the Senate today after a final vote in the House.

Richard Belin with the Juneteenth Celebration Association says the effort has been going on for ten years.

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