[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 21, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             JUNETEENTH DAY

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I would like to join my fellow 
citizens in the State of Wisconsin in celebrating Juneteenth Day, a day 
which celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States. As much 
as any other event in African-American history, the Emancipation 
Proclamation was one step in the long struggle which has lasted the 
last two centuries. This document is an affirmation of freedom and 
dignity, and is also a reaffirmation of the goals, hopes and dreams of 
all African-Americans.
  The African-American community has given so much to this country, and 
Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the many achievements made by African-
American men and women. This day is not only a celebration of freedom, 
but a statement of understanding and pride in the African-American 
culture. History is rich with the contributions made by African-
Americans, and they continue to be a valuable part of this society.
  The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was the beginning of a long 
road for the African-American community which we still continue to 
travel today. The fight for equality continues and we must push for the 
dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that all children ``not be judged 
by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.'' We 
have come a long way since the enactment of the Emancipation 
Proclamation, but we must persist with the idea that each person in 
this country be offered every opportunity and there is equality in 
every aspect of society. I invite my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating Juneteenth Day, a day of freedom, pride, and dignity in the 
African-American community.


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