[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S6011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMEMORATING JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

 Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a 
resolution to commemorate ``Juneteenth Independence Day,'' June 19, 
1865, the true independence day of African-Americans. Juneteenth is one 
of the oldest black celebrations in America. It celebrates the day on 
which the last known slaves in America finally were freed.
  Although slavery was abolished throughout the United States with 
President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 
13th amendment in 1863, the proclamation was only enforced in 
Confederate States under the control of the Union Army. Enforcement 
began nationwide when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered on behalf of the 
Confederate States at Appomattox to end the Civil War on April 9, 1865.
  At the end of the war, 2\1/2\ years after Lincoln's proclamation, the 
message of emancipation was spread throughout the South and Southwest 
by Union soldiers who were sent to enforce the freeing of the slaves.
  The last slaves were freed on June 19, 1865, 65 days after Lincoln 
had been assassinated, when Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, TX 
with a regiment of Union soldiers, declaring that Texas' 250,000 slaves 
were freed. To commemorate that day, the former slaves dubbed that June 
19th day ``Juneteenth.''
  African-Americans who had been slaves celebrated that day as the 
anniversary of their emancipation. For more than 130 years this 
tradition has been passed on generation to generation as a day to honor 
the memory of those who endured slavery and those who moved from 
slavery to freedom.
  While the significance of this day originated in the Southwest, this 
celebration soon spread to other States. There are now Juneteenth 
celebrations across the country. In fact, the Bloomington/Normal Black 
History Project and Cultural Consortium in Bloomington/Normal, IL will 
celebrate Juneteenth this week.
  Juneteenth celebrations commemorate the faith and strength of the 
many generations of African-Americans who suffered and endured the 
chattels of slavery. The annual observance of Juneteenth Independence 
Day will provide an opportunity for all Americans to learn more about 
our common past and to better understand the experiences that have 
shaped our Nation.
  I urge all Americans to celebrate Juneteenth and to reflect upon not 
only the end of a painful chapter in American history, but also the 
triumph of unity and freedom in America.

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