SR512: SR512 Juneteenth Atlanta; recognize

25 LC 112 3527 Senate Resolution 512 By: Senator James of the 28th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Juneteenth Atlanta upon its 13th Ann ual Parade & Music1 Festival; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, one of the largest and most impactful Juneteenth celeb rations in the world,3 Juneteenth Atlanta has grown from its humble beginnings into an expansive cultural4 movement that unites communities across the African diaspora; and5 WHEREAS, the 13th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival, to be held June6 14-15, 2025, at Piedmont Park, will feature the themes "Reparations Over Everything" and7 "True Identity = True Freedom"; and8 WHEREAS, since its inception, Juneteenth Atlanta has remained c ommitted to9 commemorating emancipation and empowering communities through e vents such as the10 Juneteenth Black History Parade, family reunions, cultural markets, and healing circles; and11 WHEREAS, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Juneteenth Atlanta led12 a powerful rally alongside community leaders and 10,000 participants to sustain unity and13 recognition during a time of national uncertainty, and in 2021, they overcame extreme14 S. R. 512 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3527 logistical challenges to host a record-breaking event with over 250 vendors and more than15 2,200 parade participants; and16 WHEREAS, the 2022 and 2023 Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Fe stivals featured17 expansive cultural programming and major headline performances, with the 2023 festival18 attracting over 100,000 attendees and introducing additions suc h as a wrestling showcase,19 karaoke stage, and enhanced stage production; and20 WHEREAS, Juneteenth Atlanta was invited by the National Junetee nth Observance21 Foundation to the White House on June 19, 2024, where Georgia participants performed on22 the White House lawn and led a celebratory parade through national monuments; and23 WHEREAS, Juneteenth Atlanta remains a powerful nonprofit voice for justice, education,24 cultural pride, and reunification across the African diaspora, partnering with communities25 from across the southern United States, the Caribbean, and the African continent in pursuit26 of shared liberation and celebration.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body28 recognize and commend Juneteenth Atlanta upon its 13th Annual Parade & Music Festival29 for its historic and ongoing contributions to cultural awareness, unity, and justice as well as30 extend their best wishes for a successful event.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Juneteenth33 Atlanta.34 S. R. 512 - 2 -