The Original Resolution Recognizing Al Edwards as the Father of Juneteenth

This resolution (HRES 634) is a ceremonial recognition, not a policy bill. It formally honors former Texas State Representative Al Edwards for authoring Texas House Bill 1016 in 1979, which made Texas the first state to establish June 19 (Juneteenth) as an official state holiday. The resolution acknowledges Edwards' decades-long advocacy for Juneteenth's recognition, including his role in creating the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission and his work that contributed to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday. It specifically designates Edwards as "the father of Juneteenth" for his foundational efforts in establishing the holiday.