The Original Resolution Recognizing Al Edwards as the Father of Juneteenth

HRES 569 is a symbolic congressional resolution recognizing former Texas State Representative Al Edwards as "the father of Juneteenth" for his role in passing Texas House Bill 1016. This 1987 legislation made Texas the first state to establish June 19 (Juneteenth) as an official state holiday, commemorating when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom in 1865. The resolution formally honors Edwards' decades-long advocacy, including his work to elevate Juneteenth recognition statewide and nationally. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but serves to acknowledge Edwards' historical contribution to Juneteenth's eventual adoption as a federal holiday.