[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                          HON. J.C. WATTS, JR.

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing 
legislation recognizing the Juneteenth holiday as the day of 
celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Although slavery 
was officially abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it 
took over 2 years for news of freedom to reach all the slaves. On June 
19, 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, TX, and announced 
that the State's 200,000 slaves were free. Vowing never to forget the 
date, the former slaves coined a nickname for their celebration--a 
blend of the words ``June'' and ``Nineteenth.'' Though Juneteenth 
celebrations originated in the Southwest, they soon spread throughout 
the South and are now celebrated throughout the Nation.
  As we celebrate Black History Month, it is appropriate to recognize 
this significant moment in American history. Juneteenth Independence 
Day is an important and enriching part of our Nation's history and 
heritage and provides an opportunity for all Americans to learn more 
about our common past.

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