[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING THE END OF SLAVERY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 1996

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate congresswoman 
Barbara-Rose Collins on her efforts in introducing this important 
legislation. I rise in strong support of this legislation. As you may 
be aware the slaves in Texas were not fold of the Emancipation 
Proclamation until June 19, 1865, 2 years after its announcement.
  Thus, it is fitting and proper that our Nation focus on the 
importance of Juneteenth, which was begun by African-Americans in 
Texas. State Representative Al Edwards spear-headed an effort in Texas 
to celebrate Juneteenth on a State level. Our Nation has a continuing 
obligation to right the wrongs created by 250 years of chattel slavery, 
100 years of legal segregation, and racial discrimination that 
sometimes continues to this day.
  I urge all Americans to celebrate Juneteenth and take the time to 
reflect on our Nation's commitment to freedom and justice. I hope that 
we will also use the commemoration of Juneteenth to create a better 
society for our children and grandchildren who will spend most of their 
lives in the 21st century. I urge my colleagues to strongly support 
this legislation so that future generations will remember their history 
and the efforts of Americans of all races, colors and creeds to create 
a just society.

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