[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 83 (Monday, June 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS HONORING FREEDOM AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

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                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 16, 1997

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the upcoming Juneteenth 
celebrations honoring freedom and African-American history. Texas has 
honored Juneteenth as a State holiday for nearly 20 years, observing 
the day with joyous public celebrations. But outside of the Lone Star 
State, many do not understand the significance and meaning of 
Juneteenth in the lives of African-Americans past, present and future.
  Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom for African-Americans. It 
honors the day that black slaves in Texas finally learned of their 
emancipation. Juneteenth honors a day that was far too long in coming. 
Though President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves was 
signed on January 1, 1863, the proclamation did not bring immediate 
freedom for slaves. Only after the Civil War ended in 1865 was the 
Emancipation Proclamation enforced, using Union soldiers to finally 
free slaves in the South. On June 19, 1865, Gen. Gordon Granger of the 
Union Army arrived in Galveston, TX., to ensure the freedom of the 
slaves. Though news of the Emancipation Proclamation had been kept 
quiet throughout the war, the word had spread, and when General Granger 
arrived in Galveston a large number of slaves turned out to greet him 
and his troops.
  Legends abound of the origins of Juneteenth. One holds that word of 
emancipation spread through the Union Army via black soldiers who 
spread the news as the Army moved South. Another states that a 
messenger carrying the news was murdered on his way to Texas, while 
another claims that a black ex-Union soldier rode a mule from 
Washignton, DC, with a message given to him by Abraham Lincoln. But the 
origins are not as important as the purpose of the celebration itself?
  Today, Juneteenth is widely known as Black Independence Day, as 
significant to many African-Americans as July 4th. It is a chance for 
all Americans to celebrate freedom and learn more about African-
American history. June 19, 1865 is the day when blacks in Texas began 
to realize their opportunities as free Americans. Though the struggle 
continues, Juneteenth allows us to recognize how far our Nation has 
come and celebrate the history, achievements and contributions African-
Americans have made to our Nation.

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