WHEREAS, June 19th is recognized as a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation and the ending of slavery in the state of Texas; and

WHEREAS, This date is celebrated across the United States as Juneteenth; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth gives us time to take pause and reflect on the importance of this historic day and the important contributions of African American culture; and

WHEREAS, The Kent Black Action Commission is a local organization that works to improve awareness of and find solutions to issues important to African Americans in the Kent community around politics, health, social issues, and education; and

WHEREAS, The Kent Black Action Commission promotes citizenship each year with an annual student trip to the Washington State Capitol on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; and

WHEREAS, The Kent Black Action Commission recognizes the importance of Juneteenth as part of our nation's history and each year hosts celebration featuring song, dance, recognition of local students, and sharing of African American culture with the local community; and

WHEREAS, This year's celebration will take place in Morrill Meadows Park in Kent and features the talents of local jazz guitarist Michael Powers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the Kent Black Action Commission for leading efforts to Juneteenth in the city of Kent and for its years of dedication and service to the Kent Community.

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8668,

adopted by the Senate

June 13, 2017

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate