[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 19, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H6625-H6626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Kelly] is recognized for 5 minutes.

  [Mrs. KELLY addressed the House. Her remarks will appear hereafter in 
the Extensions of Remarks.]

[[Page H6626]]



                               JUNETEENTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to 
celebrate a major holiday in the African-American community known as 
Juneteenth. The genesis of this holiday began on January 1, 1863, then 
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which 
freed the slaves. Unfortunately, because of the Civil War being waged 
along the borders dividing north and south, Lincoln's message of 
Emancipation was not received by all. Slaves in Oklahoma, Louisiana, 
Arkansas, and Texas continued their lives in bondage until April of 
1865 when the Civil War ended and Union Army troops were sent 
throughout the south to enforce the freeing of black slaves. One 
hundred and twenty-one years ago today, Union Army troops led by Gen. 
Gordon Granger reached Galveston, TX and the news of the Emancipation 
Proclamation was given.
  The memory of this event, affectionately nicknamed Juneteenth, is 
celebrated each year across the region and is now a State holiday in 
Texas. This Juneteenth celebration affords us a chance to acknowledge 
and remember the history of slavery in this country, and honor the many 
generations that suffered through this terrible era so that their 
children might live better, more dignified lives. But most importantly, 
June 19 is a celebration of liberty and opportunity; a time to 
recognize the many accomplishments and contributions historically made 
by Americans of African descent; and focus on the many challenges ahead 
so that we might continue to strive forward together, with the unity 
and brotherhood of all men and women in America today. Happy 
Juneteenth.

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