[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1129]]



                    NATIONAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

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                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2000

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the Juneteenth 
National Museum, located in my home district of Baltimore, MD., and in 
observance of the National Juneteenth Celebration.
  On June 17-18, 2000, the Juneteenth National Museum held its 12th 
annual ``Juneteenth'' celebration commemorating the Emancipation 
Proclamation. Juneteenth is generally celebrated on June 19, which is 
considered as the day of emancipation from slavery of African-Americans 
in Texas. It was this day in 1866 that Union Major General Gordon 
Granger read General Order #3 to the people of Galveston, Texas, 
informing them of their new status as free men. Since then, Juneteenth 
was celebrated in Texas, and quickly spread to other southern states, 
such as Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and eventually the rest of the 
country. In addition to a festival, the celebration included the 
purchase of lands or ``emancipation grounds'' by freed slaves in honor 
of the celebration. On January 1, 1980, under the provisions of House 
Bill No. 1016, the 66th Congress of the United States declared June 
19th ``Emancipation Day in Texas,'' making Juneteenth a legal state 
holiday.
  Juneteenth is an important event in Baltimore that celebrates 
American history and historical figures. The annual occurrence of 
Juneteenth attracts people from across the state to downtown Baltimore 
in observance of this event. Among the various festivities, the 
celebration included lectures on important historical figures and 
events, spoken word readings, and food venues that satisfied every 
taste imaginable. There were shopping opportunities for antique buffs, 
and a vast array of arts and crafts available for purchase. Attendees 
were able to tour the Underground Railroad site, the Mother Seton 
House, the Hampton National Park, Auburn Cemetery, and Historic East 
Baltimore on one of the Juneteenth van tours. Festivalgoers were also 
able to see slave artifacts and collect the Juneteenth commerative 
plates by Terra Treasures. Stamp collectors appreciated the first 
Juneteenth Post Office cachet.
  Further, the Juneteenth festival also featured a Sweet Potato Pie 
contest, folklore and street dance, a Musical Craft Show, Double Dutch 
rope, and an Islamic Exhibit. Lastly, the festival would not be 
complete without the sounds of gospel and jazz. The attendees 
celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Negro National Anthem ``Lift 
Every Voice and Sing'' and the winner of the Billie Holiday Blues 
Contest graced all with moving hymns.
  The Juneteenth Festival has grown to be a vitally important part of 
not only Baltimore, but African-American culture as well. True to 
tradition, this year's celebration proved to be as exciting as ever.
  I congratulate Juneteenth National Museum on a successful Juneteenth 
celebration!

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