[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION JUNE 21, 1996

                                 ______


                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 1996

  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate one of Connecticut's 
most treasured African-American celebrations to be held in Hartford, 
CT, on June 21, 1996--the Annual Juneteenth Celebration.
  Juneteenth is celebrated traditionally on June 19th and is this 
Nation's oldest African-American celebration. Originally celebrated in 
Texas, whereas in 1865 that enslaved Africans were formally notified of 
their freedom, literally 2\1/2\ years after the signing of the 
Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln.
  This Texas celebration has become the model to similar events in 
other States. Held annually at the Wadsworth Antheneum, Juneteenth 
attracts thousands to the museum and proudly preserves and furthers the 
rich heritage and traditions of Connecticut's African-Americans. A 2-
day celebration, Juneteenth offers a parade, historical perspectives, 
the Discovering Ellis Ruley exhibition, family day festivities, vibrant 
musicians, and benefits the Wadsworth Atheneum Amistad Foundation's 
African-American collection. Viewed by some as one of the Nation's 
outstanding records of the black experience in America, this 6,000 
piece collection illuminates the brilliance of African-American artists 
and their contributions to American art and culture.
  This gala affair is presented jointly by the Wadsworth Antheneum's 
Amistad Foundation director and curator Deirdre Libby and the 1996 
Juneteenth Jubilee Committee. Thanks should be given to all the members 
of the 1996 Juneteenth Committee, who have worked so hard to make this 
year's event a wonderful success. Special thanks goes to: 1996 cochairs 
Barbara Alleyne and Peter Roach, and members Sylvia Alexander, Charles 
Barrow, Alvin Bingham, Sondra Brittain, Carolyn H. Burney, Kristen 
Clark, C. Jeanne Costley, Diane Jackson, Ann Jennings, Darlene Leak, 
Winnie Johnson, Bunny Jones, Alice and Duane Luster, Claire Odoms, 
Genie Odoms, Loretta Pair, Joyce Peoples, Kelly Pittman, Alyce T. 
Rawlins, Randolph Ricketts, Sara Roach, Andrea B. Seldon, Tanya Sharpe, 
Mildred Smith, Marilyn Strong, Carolyn Thomas, Patricia Wiggings, and 
Alberta Mendenhall.
  All Americans are enriched by the African-American experience. The 
courage, the faith, the fortitude in the face of enormous obstacles, 
and above, all, the dedication to freedom should inspire all of us. The 
Juneteenth celebration is a joyful and uplifting community event, one 
that will strengthen our ties to our fellow Americans.

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