[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 19, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H3224-H3229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 163) recognizing the historical 
significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and expressing the sense of 
Congress that history be regarded as a means of understanding the past 
and solving the challenges of the future, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 163

       Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier 
     areas of the country until long after the conclusion of the 
     Civil War, especially in the Southwestern United States;
       Whereas the African Americans who had been slaves in the 
     Southwest thereafter celebrated June 19, known as Juneteenth 
     Independence Day, as the anniversary of their emancipation;
       Whereas these African Americans handed down that tradition 
     from generation to generation as an inspiration and 
     encouragement for future generations;
       Whereas Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have thus 
     been held for 136 years to honor the memory of all those who 
     endured slavery and especially those who moved from slavery 
     to freedom; and
       Whereas the faith and strength of character shown by these 
     former slaves remains an example for all people of the United 
     States, regardless of background, region, or race: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That--
       (1) Congress recognizes the historical significance of 
     Juneteenth Independence Day, an important date in the 
     Nation's history, and encourages the continued celebration of 
     this day to provide an opportunity for all people of the 
     United States to learn more about the past and to better 
     understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and
       (2) it is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) history be regarded as a means for understanding the 
     past and solving the challenges of the future; and
       (B) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important 
     and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United 
     States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on House Concurrent Resolution 163.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Connecticut?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 163, and commend the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) and 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for sponsoring this important 
resolution. The resolution recognizes the historic significance of 
Juneteenth Independence Day, and encourages its continued celebration 
so all Americans can learn more about our past.
  The resolution also expresses the sense of Congress that knowing our 
history helps us understand our past and solve challenges we face in 
the future, and it expresses the sense of Congress that the celebration 
of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history 
and heritage of the United States.
  Madam Speaker, Juneteenth has long been recognized as the day to 
celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is the 
traditional celebration of the day on which the last slaves in America 
were freed.
  Although slavery was abolished officially in 1863, it took over 2 
years for news of freedom to spread to all slaves. On June 19th, 1865, 
U.S. General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and announced 
that the State's 200,000 slaves were free. Vowing never to forget the 
date, the former slaves coined the nickname Juneteenth, a blend of the 
words June and 19th, actually today. This holiday originated in the 
Southwest, but today it is celebrated throughout the Nation.
  This resolution underscores that the observance of Juneteenth 
Independence Day is an important and enriching part of our country's 
history and heritage. The celebration of Juneteenth provides an 
opportunity for all Americans to learn more about our common past and 
to better understand the experiences that have shaped our great Nation.
  I urge all Members to approve the resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I first of all want to congratulate the gentleman from 
Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), and I am pleased to join with him in introducing 
this resolution and bringing it to the floor for quick action.
  I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of House Concurrent 
Resolution 163, particularly today, Juneteenth Independence Day. On 
January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation 
Proclamation freeing the slaves of the southern States that had seceded 
from the Union.
  However, it was not until June 19, 1865, that the Union soldiers, led 
by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with the 
news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free.
  The reaction to the news ranged from shock to immediate jubilation. 
June 19th, coined Juneteenth, became a time for former slaves to pray 
and to gather together with remaining family members. Education, self-
improvement, and prayer services were and still are a major part of 
Juneteenth celebrations.
  Though Texas is the only State to declare June 19 a legal holiday, it 
is celebrated in communities throughout the country. Juneteenth 
celebrations are a tribute to all Americans who fought to end slavery 
and who work hard for social and racial equality. It is an appropriate 
holiday to precede Independence Day on July 4. The promise of justice 
and equality contained within the Declaration of Independence and the 
United States Constitution were realized on this day for many people in 
1865.
  Today marks the 136th celebration of Juneteenth, which was originally 
handed down through the old tradition, from generation to generation, 
and finally formally honored for the first time in Texas in 1972.
  Juneteenth is indeed a time to reflect on and honor those who 
suffered the tragedy of slavery in America. It is also a time to 
appreciate the social, political, educational, and economic 
possibilities afforded by social and racial equality. In short, 
Juneteenth for many African Americans represents what the Fourth of 
July means for mainstream America: a celebration of the promise of 
freedom.
  As I listened this morning to my favorite radio station, WVON, to 
talk show host Cliff Kelly, my former colleague from the Chicago City 
Council, as Cliff was engaging callers in Juneteenth and the meaning of 
it, all of the calls were indeed positive and represented the idea that 
celebration was appropriate for this day.

[[Page H3225]]

  So I want to commend radio station WVON for its efforts. I also want 
to congratulate and commend State Representative Monique Davis, who has 
introduced legislation in the Illinois General Assembly. This 
resolution recognizes Juneteenth Day as a day that all of America can 
celebrate freedom, and recognize that being free, spiritually, 
physically, socially, financially, educationally, and professionally is 
meaningful.
  So for this reason, I urge all of my colleagues to support House 
Concurrent Resolution 163.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to our 
distinguished leader, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts).
  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, the 
gentleman from Connecticut, for yielding time to me.
  Madam Speaker, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, 
Texas, on this day 136 years ago, slaves were given notice that they 
were free. Even though President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation 
Proclamation had the effect of law on the first day of 1863, his 
executive order was not in force to even communicate it in some parts 
of our Nation.
  The celebrations on the evening of June 19, 1865, were filled with 
singing and feasting. After so much injustice, the last vestige of 
slavery had been eradicated and the United States was truly a land 
where, as our Declaration of Independence declared, all men are created 
equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable 
rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
happiness.
  Juneteenth is a day of celebration and of learning. We should rejoice 
in the great land that we all call America and give thanks for our 
freedom, and know that there were days when that freedom was not 
enjoyed by all of her citizens.
  The resolution we are considering today recognizes Juneteenth and 
encourages Americans to learn from our past so we may better prepare 
for our future. It celebrates the achievements of all Americans, no 
matter if they are red, yellow, brown, black, or white, and offers us 
an opportunity to reflect on how one country saw slavery and freedom 
within the course of our relatively short existence as a nation in this 
world.
  I thank my colleagues for their support on this Juneteenth 
resolution, and I urge passage of this legislation.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I very much appreciate that the gentleman 
from Illinois has yielded me this time, and I appreciate his work on 
this and so many bills of importance to the African American community 
and to our country.
  I appreciate the work of my good friend, the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Shays), who is managing the bill, who has always stood 
for principles of equal opportunity, and the gentleman from Oklahoma 
(Mr. Watts) for his leadership in bringing forward this bill, as well.
  Madam Speaker, I am not sure how to approach Juneteenth. It is a date 
fraught with poignancy and symbolism, poignancy because it is not the 
date on which the slaves were emancipated. That was January 1, 1863. It 
was simply the date that the good news finally made its way into Texas; 
some say by conspiracy, some say just because they did not get there 
and somebody was waylaid.
  In any case, it was a cause for great celebration. If one learned 
2\1/2\ years late that slaves had been emancipated by the Emancipation 
Proclamation, that is to say, by executive order, one had every reason 
to celebrate.
  We are not here this afternoon to celebrate. This date is fraught 
with symbolism as well because the news of the civil rights laws has 
not reached all who need to hear it in America. I speak as a former 
chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, where I had 
hands-on experience, up close, to see what enforcement takes, and as a 
Member of Congress to see what we still have to do now.

                              {time}  1530

  Nobody who celebrated her emancipation on June 19, 1865, would want 
us to do anything but make this not a cause of celebration, not even a 
cause for commemoration, but a cause for combustion, to get the news 
out to those in the administration, to employers and to Americans 
throughout our country, that the civil rights laws are not only in the 
books but they need strong enforcement.
  Indeed, Madam Speaker, we need new laws as well. I have introduced a 
racial profiling bill that I hope will be part of the transportation 
bill coming forward next year. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
Conyers) is also preparing a racial profiling bill.
  These bills indicate that there is real unfinished work even on 
putting laws on the books. It takes us back to the 1960s. We thought we 
had at least put the laws on the books then. Racial profiling is overt, 
deliberate, looking in your face, you are black, you are Hispanic, you 
do not look like me, you are under arrest or at least I-am-stopping-you 
discrimination. That is the kind of discrimination this is.
  We cannot let $250 billion go out of this House next year, unless 
there is a provision that says you cannot get this money unless you 
have laws barring racial profiling, unless you enforce them and unless 
you keep racial statistics.
  Look, if we reduce Juneteenth to a moment of nostalgia, we trivialize 
its importance. Our country was 2\1/2\ weeks late getting to the slaves 
in Texas. We are 2\1/2\ centuries late taking care of this business 
called discrimination.
  Let Resolution 163 be the beginning of the end of the last great form 
of overt and deliberate discrimination in our country, the 
discrimination that stops a man or stops a woman on the street only 
because that person is black. If my colleagues are willing to vote for 
this resolution, I hope my colleagues will vote to give it meaning when 
the racial profiling provisions come to the floor.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Wynn).
  Mr. WYNN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis) for yielding me the time.
  Madam Speaker, let me begin by offering my congratulations and 
commendations to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), as well as to 
the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), my Republican colleague, for 
their leadership in bringing this matter to our attention; but for 
their efforts, Juneteenth might be a little-noticed footnote in 
American history.
  That certainly should not be the case, because, while it is not 
recognized on a par with the Declaration of Independence, the 
Emancipation Proclamation is like the Declaration of Independence, part 
of our tradition and passion for freedom in the United States.
  It is a very interesting episode in our history, and I find myself 
fascinated by it, that Abraham Lincoln, through executive order, 
declared the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863; but somehow 
the word did not get to slaves in Texas until 2\1/2\ years later, on 
June 19, 1865.
  There are lots of stories as to what happened. There is some that say 
that the original messenger was murdered. There are others who say the 
Union soldiers who had the message thought that they would hold off so 
the slave owners could get in another season's worth of planting and 
reaping before the word went out that slavery was to be no more.
  Whatever the case was, on June 19, 1865, Major General Jordan Granger 
led Union troops into Galveston, Texas, and announced that, in fact, 
slavery had come to an end; and now the relationship between the former 
slaves and the former masters was going to be that of employer and free 
laborer.
  As you might imagine, some of the newly freed slaves did not wait 
around to negotiate a labor agreement on this subject. They immediately 
left their plantations, their formers owners and headed north, as well 
as to other parts of the country where they had family, to begin their 
new lives.
  There were many who did stay around to talk about it, and out of that 
experience evolved what we have come to call Juneteenth, the 
celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. It arrived out of a rural 
tradition of a family gathering, of picnics and barbeques and, 
generally, a notion that this is a great thing, this freedom, that we 
are very pleased to be a part of it and let us take advantage of it.

[[Page H3226]]

  It also evolved into an opportunity to focus on questions of 
education and self-improvement which was really what freedom from 
slavery was all about, an opportunity to get education and, most 
importantly, an opportunity to express that freedom through self-
improvement.
  Today we do have a celebration called Juneteenth to mark that 
historic occasion. This occasion, however, does reflect forward to 
events that happen today in America. You can say in the case of 
Juneteenth, things do not always work the way they were intended, a 
message arrived 2\1/2\ years late.
  Recently in Florida, things did not work the way they were intended, 
and you have to excuse the African American community if we are a 
little bit skeptical. We consider there to have been great 
disenfranchisement, and things did not work the way they should have. 
People who were eligible to vote were denied an opportunity to vote to 
a significant degree.
  Madam Speaker, out of Juneteenth comes not just skepticism, it comes 
hope, because the newly freed slaves had hoped that they would be full 
participants in America. And despite the difficulties that we have seen 
in the Florida in the past election, we are moving forward with hope 
that an electoral reform bill will come out of this Congress, which 
will make sure that things that did not go the way they should have 
will go the right way in the future.
  Juneteenth is not just a celebration of what happened. It is also an 
important milestone in our American history and a marker for our future 
conduct. It joins many other cultural celebrations, Cinco de Mayo, St. 
Patrick's Day, the Chinese New Year, as a part of our diverse American 
quilt.
  It is an important occasion, an occasion for great celebration, the 
emancipation of the slaves in America. I am delighted to be a part of 
this celebration; and again, I thank the sponsors.
  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
very capable gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
  Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I thank the very distinguished gentleman 
from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) for yielding me such time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 163, which 
celebrates Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the end of 
slavery. I want to commend the two authors of this resolution, the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) and the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Davis), for introducing this resolution.
  Though the abolishment of slavery and Confederate States had become 
official more than 2 years earlier in 1863, it had little impact on 
Texans, because there were no Union troops to enforce the new edict.
  It was not until June 19, 1865, that the final group of slaves were 
freed by Union troops who brought news of the Emancipation Proclamation 
to Galveston, Texas.
  I find it to be a testament of the strength and growth of our great 
Nation that on January 1, 1980, in the same State that the last slaves 
were freed, Juneteenth became an official State holiday through the 
efforts of Al Edwards, an African American Texas State legislator.
  The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first 
emancipation celebration to be granted official State recognition.
  Today's resolution clearly states that history should be regarded as 
a means of understanding the past and solving the challenges of the 
future. Juneteenth reminds us that we must continue to challenge the 
American conscience and strive to create civil equality for all of our 
brothers and sisters. Racism and inequality, distrust and 
misunderstanding often continue to divide us as a Nation.
  Our efforts will not be finished until social justice prevails and 
all of our children can contemplate ``a Nation where they will not be 
judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their 
character.''
  Today, it is important that we also promote the celebration of 
Juneteenth in our communities. Last night in my district, Montgomery 
County, Maryland, Juneteenth committee members Laura Anderson Wright, 
Russ Campbell, Tina Clark, Wilbert Givens, Dory Hackey, Richard Myles, 
Shirley Small Rogeau, and Gail Street held a celebration, which they 
had organized, that began with a tour at the Sandy Spring Maryland 
Slave Museum and African Art Gallery, whose president and founder was 
there, Dr. Winston Anderson. The ceremony concluded at the Ross Body 
Community Center in the historic town of Sandy Spring, Maryland.
  Madam Speaker, I want to commend these committee members for their 
dedication and hard work for such a noble cause.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to ensure that Juneteenth is 
celebrated in their home districts and to support this resolution on 
the 136th anniversary of the emancipation.
  I thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) for his generosity 
in yielding me such time as I have consumed.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the very 
passionate gentleman from New Jersey, (Mr. Pascrell).
  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, two great Americans sponsored this 
resolution, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) and the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Davis). I am proud to be associated with both of 
them.
  Juneteenth, but also the name of a great book written by what I 
consider one of the great authors of the 20th century, Ralph Ellison, 
who wrote the ``Invisible Man,'' often misunderstood, often derided.
  Madam Speaker, yes, the Supreme Court made a decision and Dred Scott, 
in that decision, was overturned in 1862, actually, 3 years before 
exactly to the day of Juneteenth; sometimes the Supreme Court needs to 
be corrected by the Congress of the United States.
  The Emancipation Proclamation receives its national appreciation, its 
rightful appreciation as the gateway to freedom for African Americans; 
but it took a Civil War and the 13th amendment to the United States to 
formally outlaw slavery.
  That Emancipation Proclamation resulted in millions of slaves 
throughout the country who were unaffected by the provisions of the 
proclamation; and as my colleagues have already heard, word traveled 
very slowly.
  Madam Speaker, this is indeed a celebration, but time for us to 
reflect on what this meant. Juneteenth serves as a historical milestone 
reminding all people of the triumph of the human spirit over the 
cruelty of slavery.
  I think we should all take a moment not only to recognize the moral 
bankruptcy of slavery, but also to celebrate the achievements of those 
living in such inhumane conditions; and despite the rigors of slavery, 
African Americans contributed everything from agricultural inventions 
and medical breakthroughs to music. They have contributed a legacy of 
culture, of language, religion, a lesson of survival.
  Ralph Ellison, who I believe is one of the great writers of the 20th 
century, he was an African American and frequently misunderstood. The 
genius of blacks, of black culture, was not in race, he wrote, but in 
human beings who bore the race. Blood and skin do not think.
  There were demonic conscious and unconscious dehumanizing acts 
against blacks, no question about it; but the progress and opportunity 
for blacks in America could not depend on white oppressors changing 
their behavior and changing their mind as much as it would depend on 
individuals understanding and believing in their own God-given 
resources.

                              {time}  1545

  Ellison believed that to believe solely in the idea that white 
oppression determined the freedom of blacks was to minimize the power 
of each black person and it would make redemption depend upon how it 
was treated. We do not accept that any longer. This was a perspective. 
The outskirts of society allowed him to run point on its greatest 
ideals while grieving over its greatest failures.
  He argued against the idea that there existed a required mode of 
racial anger. There were, he contended, many possible responses to 
injustice. He wrote there was even an American Negro tradition which 
abhors as obscene any trading on one's own anguish for gain or 
sympathy. Powerful words. Powerful words in our own society now.
  We have decided for the most part that each black person in our 
society is

[[Page H3227]]

an incarnation, someone wrote that, of his race, and as Edward 
Rothstein wrote, being battered about by both blacks and whites who 
impose their visions of racial identity. Lincoln freed the slaves. 
Ellison would say only that slaves could free slaves, so that their 
fate and the fate of every black American cannot depend on anyone else. 
Individuality is a creative force within each person. Part of our 
birth, part of our heritage, and at best the body politic can protect 
but never create. No civil rights law, no Supreme Court decision, and 
no presidential order can undo what is in me.
  I thank Ralph Ellison for giving us our great history and 
understanding, and on this great day of Juneteenth we celebrate the 
freedom of all of us. God bless America.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert) The gentleman from Connecticut 
(Mr. Shays) has 12\1/2\ minutes remaining, the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Davis) has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining.
  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, I know we have the right to close, but I 
would be happy to use my time and then yield the balance of my time to 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) if he would like to close this 
debate.
  Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time and commend the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) and the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Davis) for introducing this resolution. I also thank the gentleman 
from Indiana (Mr. Burton), chairman of the Committee on Government 
Reform, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization, as well as the 
ranking members of the full committee and subcommittees, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois Mr. 
Davis), for expediting consideration of the resolution.
  Obviously, I urge all Members to support this resolution. I was 
reading the Emancipation Proclamation during part of this debate, and 
while I will not read it at this time, let me just say that it is a 
powerful piece. And when read in conjunction with General Granger's 
General Order Number 3, this paragraph, I can imagine what the impact 
must have been. General Granger comes into Galveston and he reads the 
following: ``The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with 
the Proclamation of the Executive of the United States, all slaves are 
freed. This involves an absolute equality of rights,'' he continued, 
``and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the 
connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between 
employer and free laborer.''
  It is a powerful piece and, obviously, Americans have much to be 
grateful for. We can be very proud of our country that, in spite of all 
the terrible things that may have occurred during parts of our history, 
we are a Nation that moves forward, not backwards. I think all of us 
are so proud to be Americans, but it is a work in process. The freedoms 
that were guaranteed under the Emancipation Proclamation and under the 
General Order Number 3 are still unfolding.
  It is an exciting time to be an American, and I just am grateful to 
have the opportunity to work with my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle to serve our country and to serve our great people of all races.
  Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) is 
recognized.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume, and first let me thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. 
Shays) for his graciousness and for his support of this resolution. 
There is not a more esteemed Member of this body with more graciousness 
than the gentleman from Connecticut, and I want him to know that we 
appreciate him.
  I also, Madam Speaker, want to again congratulate the gentleman from 
Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) for the role that he has played in not only 
introducing but moving this resolution to the floor. I also want to 
thank the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Indiana 
(Mr. Burton), and the Speaker of the House, the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Hastert), for making sure that there was an opportunity to discuss 
this resolution on the floor of the House on this day, June 19th, 
Juneteenth Day.
  Madam Speaker, I know the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. 
Clayton) had planned to be here and to speak on the resolution. 
Unfortunately, she was unable to do so.
  I think this resolution speaks to America, some of its paradoxes, 
some of its problems; the recognition that even as slaves were freed, 
there were over 800,000 who did not know it, and there are people who 
would say that there are many people in our country today who do not 
know some of the freedoms that exist. There are many people in our 
country who do not know that they have an opportunity to seriously 
impact upon all of the public policy decisions that are made in our 
great Nation.
  As we look at the tremendous documents that we have seen evolved, and 
as we recognize what they really meant, they really meant that there is 
the opportunity to always be in pursuit of freedom of equality, of 
justice, of equal opportunity. It also means that we are not there yet. 
But as long as there is movement towards the goal, then there is hope 
and possibility for America. There is the hope that America can become 
the America that it has not been but the America that we all know that 
it can be.
  I also want to point out that this resolution provides an opportunity 
for us to take a look at a part of our history, the period of 
reconstruction. And I want to commend Lerone Bennett, Senior Editor of 
Ebony Magazine, for the research and writings and work that he has 
done.
  Finally, it was never brought to my attention more than last weekend, 
while driving to St. Louis to participate in a function with the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay), when my father and I, who is 89 
years old, after the activity was able to interact with my uncle, who 
is 96 years old. Fortunately for both of them, they still have their 
wits and they still can recall things and they are both functional. 
They were discussing the period of their boyhoods and the fact that 
their grandparents were slaves; that my father's mother's parents were 
slaves; that my mother's mother's parents were slaves.
  I am amazed at how much progress they made during the period of 
reconstruction without formal education, without a great deal of 
learning but using the experiences of their previous conditions to help 
build a new America. So Juneteenth recommends and recognizes not only 
the past but the presence and speaks to the future. So I would urge all 
of my colleagues to support it and would once again thank all of those 
who have helped to bring it to the floor on this day.
  Mr. HORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of 
June 19, 2001, as Juneteenth Independence Day. I am pleased that House 
Concurrent Resolution 163 passed earlier today, recognizes the 
significance Juneteenth Independence Day and the importance of 
understanding our history and applying those lessons to our futures.
  On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the 
Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves across this country. 
Unfortunately, the Emancipation Proclamation had very little impact on 
Texas slaves where the news of the new freedom was deliberately 
withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor forces on their 
plantations.
  On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation 
Proclamation was delivered, General Gordon Granger arrived in 
Galveston, Texas informing those still enslaved that they were now 
free. General Granger's first order of business was to read to the 
people General Order Number 3, which states, ``The people of Texas are 
informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of 
the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute 
equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and 
slaves, and connection heretofore existing between them becomes that 
between employer and free laborer.''
  Today, we recognize the 136th anniversary of Juneteenth. Across 
America hundreds of celebrations are held to commemorate this important 
occasion. In my district, the Rock House Church International held a 
Juneteenth Jubilee at Recreation Park in Long Beach, California this 
past Saturday. This celebration served as a time for the community to 
gather and celebrate the freedoms all enjoy today. This event concluded 
with Leon Patillo signing the national anthem at the Long Beach 
Breakers baseball game. A fitting conclusion to the Juneteenth Jubilee.

[[Page H3228]]

  Juneteenth was given official holiday status in Texas in 1980. 
Juneteenth has traditionally been celebrated in Texas and other 
bordering states, such as Louisiana and Arkansas. I thank Congressman 
Watts of Oklahoma for introducing House Concurrent Resolution 163 and 
expanding recognition of this event to a national celebration. Bringing 
this legislation to the floor today helps to bring awareness of 
Juneteenth to all corners of this country. Americans should use this 
historical milestone to remind us of the triumph of freedom over the 
cruelty of slavery.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to show my 
strong support for the recognition of the day that slavery in the 
United States came to an end. June 19, 1865 was coined as ``Juneteenth 
Independence Day,'' for the newly freed slaves of the Southwest when 
they finally learned of the Thirteenth Amendment that legally abolished 
slavery, which was passed in January of 1863. This delay of vital news 
as delayed by the dawdling relay of information across the country in 
that day.
  Since that day of emancipation, the descendants of slaves in the 
Southwest view this day as the anniversary of the end of a tragic 
period in our nation's history. It is known that the dishonor, 
suffering and brutality of slavery cannot be erased, but the memory and 
feeling can provide reassurance that such inhumanity should never again 
take part in the United States of America.
  Madam Speaker, Juneteenth Independence Day is historically 
significant for not only those races subject to discrimination, but 
also for every freedom-loving American. It is a date that marked the 
development of equality, equal opportunity, and unity in the United 
States. I urge all of my fellow Members to vote with me in support of 
this bill that provides a means for both understanding the past and 
solving the challenges of the future.
  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge the Congress to 
recognize the historic significance of Juneteenth Independence Day. On 
July 4, 1776, many Americans celebrated their first independence day. 
However, we must not forget that on this day, the ancestors of African 
Americans were not included in this celebration. They were slaves. In 
1841, Frederick Douglas said that from an American slave's perspective, 
July 4th ``reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the 
gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.'' It 
would be almost ninety years before all Americans would finally 
celebrate their freedom.
  On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Lincoln issued 
the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the conclusion of 
the Civil War, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas 
to announce that all slaves in the United States were free. This day, 
known as Juneteenth, signified the end of slavery across America and 
marked the independence of African Americans.
  What began as a celebration in Texas has grown into a nationwide 
remembrance of one of the most significant events in our country's 
history. Today, Juneteenth festivities bring African American 
communities across the country together to honor and remember the 
struggle of our ancestors and rejoice in our freedom.
  This historic day also recognizes the importance of furthering the 
knowledge of our great Nation's history. Festivities remembering 
Juneteenth provide the opportunity for all Americans to a gain a deeper 
understanding of those events that have shaped our nation's identity 
and the issues that continue to touch so many of our lives. Texas may 
have been late in receiving the news, but they were the first to 
acknowledge the importance of this day, making it a state holiday over 
twenty years ago. We, as a nation, should follow suit and pay tribute 
to this important day in American history.
  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Juneteenth. 
Juneteenth is a commemoration of the acknowledgment by African slaves 
in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, of their newfound freedom. It is 
also a celebration of the opportunity for African Americans to be free 
to express self-improvement and to gain more knowledge. This freedom 
was granted to all those in the United States of African decent by the 
Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Unfortunately, in some parts of the 
country, news of the Proclamation did not reach people in a timely 
manner. In fact, it took two years to get word out to African slaves in 
Texas that their freedom had been granted. Although word was given to 
the slaves late, we must remember that it is never too late to join the 
effort to fight against racism around the world.
  Some in this nation may not want to recall the atrocities of our 
past, however, we must not forget our history. While this nation has a 
great legacy to be proud of, we must also remember the mistakes of our 
past and learn from them. Today, we cannot act as if nothing is wrong 
when negative assumptions are made about an individual because of the 
color of his or her skin.
  The question that still remains is how do we move forward. A few 
months from now, South Africa will play host to what will be the third 
World Conference Against Racism. This event is scheduled to take place 
in Durban, South Africa August 31st to September 7th 2001. As a nation, 
our participation in this conference is vital. As citizens of the 
United States of America, we all want to see our country moving forward 
stronger than ever. By supporting this conference, we can make an 
effort to moving this country, as well as the world in the right 
direction.
  I believe strongly that this day, June 19th is not only a celebration 
for African Americans, but also a celebration for our country as a 
whole. It represents all of the hardships that African Americans had to 
go through in helping construct this country and finally getting 
freedom and respect for the hardships they endured. As a citizen of 
this great country, I feel that it is America's duty to come together 
in showing respect to our fellow Americans on this day.
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Juneteenth 
Independence Day that represents the end of slavery in the South. On 
January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed all 
slaves. However, it was not until two and a half years later that all 
states were freed from bondage. Since that day on June 19, 1865, 
descendants of slaves have celebrated Juneteenth day. This celebration 
commemorates the struggles, dignity, and vision of a people who have 
rendered their lives for this great nation.
  Although, Juneteenth Independence Day originated in Galveston, Texas, 
this day of celebration delineates the importance of African American 
history all over the United States. In my district, a small town called 
Princeville reaps the benefit of Juneteenth Day. Princeville, the 
nation's oldest black chartered town was incorporated in February 1885 
by the North Carolina General Assembly. The town of Princeville began 
as a small village of newly freed slaves who were trying to obtain 
their ``day of jubilee.'' These slaves fought with grace to have 
something that they could call their own.
  Juneteenth Independence Day completes the cycle of what we recognize 
as true democracy. The memories and history of that glorious day in 
June of 1865, has motivated African Americans as a people to continue 
to fight for equality for all. At this very moment, black voters in the 
state of Virginia have been moved by this day to get out and vote.
  June 19th represents TRUE JUSTICE and TRUE FREEDOM. Let us not forget 
the importance that this day has impressed upon our history both past 
and present.
  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a celebration of 
freedom known as Juneteenth. In cities across the country, thousands of 
Americans--people of all nationalities, races and religions--are 
assembling to rejoice and reflect upon a milestone in American 
history--the official end of slavery.
  Celebration of Juneteenth, June 19, as Emancipation Day began in 1865 
when Texan slaves were finally notified of their freedom from the 
shackles of slavery. Prior to June 19, 1985, rumors of slavery were 
widespread; however, emancipation was not granted to Texan slaves until 
General Gordon Granger issued an order in Galveston, Texas declaring 
freedom for all slaves--some two years after President Lincoln signed 
the Emancipation Proclamation. When Texan slaves were finally given the 
news, a spirit of jubilee spread throughout the community as they 
prayed, sang and danced in celebration of their freedom. Newly freed 
slaves left the homes of slave-owners and immediately searched for 
family members and economic opportunities. Some simply chose to relish 
in their freedom. As a native Texan myself, I feel so strongly about 
the importance of Juneteenth and its legacy today.
  Although many place significance on the untimely manner in which the 
news was delivered, reflecting upon the triumph and perseverance of the 
human spirit captures the true essence of the Juneteenth celebration. 
Juneteenth honors those African-Americans who travailed and survived 
the institution of slavery, thus encouraging free generations of 
African-Americans to take pride in the legacy of perseverance and 
strength they left behind.
  As the popularity of Juneteenth grows both nationally and globally, 
people from all races, nationalities and creeds and realizing that 
Juneteenth is not only synonymous with slavery. Juneteenth represents 
an acknowledgment of a period in our history that shaped and continues 
to influence our society today.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 163, as amended.
  The question was taken.

[[Page H3229]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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