Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 113
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:08:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This joint resolution, titled the "Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution," aims to designate August 20 as "Slavery Remembrance Day." It serves as an annual reminder of the evils of slavery, commemorating the lives of enslaved people, condemning slavery and its ongoing effects (referred to as "evil progenies" like segregation and institutionalized racism), and encouraging public acknowledgment of this history. The resolution provides extensive historical context, including the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619, the transatlantic slave trade, key events like Nat Turner's rebellion, the Underground Railroad, figures such as Harriet Tubman and John Brown, the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, the Great Migration, and systems like convict leasing that perpetuated exploitation post-emancipation.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: The House of Representatives and Senate designate August 20 annually as "Slavery Remembrance Day."
- Condemnation: Explicitly condemns slavery and its lasting impacts, including Jim Crow laws, lynchings, segregation, police brutality, mass incarceration, and institutionalized racism.
- Encouragement for Remembrance: Urges individuals, communities, and institutions to recognize the importance of remembering slavery through education and reflection.
- Presidential Proclamation: Authorizes and requests the President to issue an official proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
- Honorary Recognition: Posthumously honors early Black Members of Congress from the Reconstruction Era (e.g., Joseph Hayne Rainey, Robert Smalls) as symbolic cosponsors.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no binding legal changes or enforceable requirements. It is a non-binding expression of congressional intent, similar to other commemorative resolutions (e.g., those designating national days of observance). It does not amend statutes, create holidays with federal closures, or allocate funds, but it formally recognizes a day of remembrance that could influence future observances or educational initiatives.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness and education about slavery's history and legacy, fostering discussions on racial justice and reconciliation. It could inspire schools, communities, and organizations to hold events, potentially affecting cultural and educational practices without mandating participation.
- On Government Agencies: The President may issue annual proclamations, involving the White House and possibly the Department of Education or historical agencies (e.g., National Park Service) in promoting observances. No direct operational changes or funding are required.
- On International Relations: By condemning slavery globally, it reinforces U.S. positions on human rights, potentially supporting diplomatic efforts against modern slavery, though the impact is primarily symbolic and domestic-focused.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Enslaved People's Descendants and African American Communities: Directly honored through remembrance, potentially aiding efforts for historical justice and reparative discussions.
- Congress and the Executive Branch: Members of Congress (bipartisan cosponsors listed) and the President are involved in designation and proclamation.
- Educators, Historians, and Cultural Institutions: Encouraged to promote remembrance, affecting curricula, museums, and public programs.
- General Public: Invited to participate in observances, broadening societal engagement with U.S. history.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a joint resolution, it carries moral weight but lacks the force of law; it cannot be enforced in courts and does not infringe on First Amendment rights (e.g., free speech on historical topics).
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express national sentiments (Article I) and does not conflict with the 13th Amendment's abolition of slavery, which it references positively.
- Political: Symbolically advances recognition of systemic racism's roots, potentially influencing debates on racial equity, voting rights, and education policy. It highlights bipartisan support (via cosponsors) but may spark controversy in politically divided contexts over historical interpretations, without creating enforceable obligations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (28)
Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution — issued 2025-08-15 — PDF (8 pages)