[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S6413]
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 of the State of Wisconsin in celebrating the 25th anniversary 
of Juneteenth Day in Milwaukee, WI. Juneteenth Day commemorates the day 
on which the last slaves in the United States learned of their freedom. 
While the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln on 
January 1, 1863, represents an important step in the African-American 
population's quest for freedom and equality, Juneteenth Day, or June 
19, 1865, marks the final abolition of slavery in the United States and 
thus occupies a special place in our Nation's history.
  The celebration of Juneteenth Day in Milwaukee, WI, dates back to 
1971 when the staff at Northcott Neighborhood House initiated the 
celebration. Juneteenth Day simultaneously pays homage to the African-
American struggle for freedom and equality, commemorates the end of 
slavery, and celebrates the rich and varied contributions of African-
Americans to the fabric of American society.
  This year, on the 25th anniversary of Juneteenth Day in Milwaukee, 
the contributions of several individuals were honored. I would like to 
take this opportunity to extend special recognition to Margaret 
Henningsen, whose extensive work in the community has touched the lives 
of many, and to the memories of Jan Kemp-Cole, Terrance Pitts, and O.C. 
White, all of whom made tremendous contributions to the Milwaukee 
community. The lives and work of these individuals embody the spirit of 
Juneteenth Day: A celebration of African-American achievement, culture, 
and history.
  Juneteenth celebrations throughout the Nation serve to reaffirm the 
ideals, goals, and dreams of all African-Americans. While much has been 
achieved in the years since President Lincoln signed the Emancipation 
Proclamation, the fight for equality continues and we must pursue 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.'' 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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