[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2001

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Madam Speaker, today marks an important date in our 
Nation's history. Today, the bells of freedom ring in our consciousness 
and our hearts as we celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration 
of the ending of slavery.
  On June 19th, 1865, two years following the Emancipation Proclamation 
issued by President Abraham Lincoln, Major General Gordon Granger of 
the Union Army read General Order #3 in Galveston, Texas. This order 
began most significantly with:

       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 
     the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that 
     between employer and free laborer.

  This profound news inspired immediate jubilation and happiness. 
African-Americans, previously bonded to their owners in slavery, were 
now united in their freedom and liberty. Juneteenth, celebrated every 
June 19th, commemorates this day of emancipation in Texas.
  Since 1865, Juneteenth celebrations have taken place throughout the 
United States. Large celebrations on June 19, 1866 marked the first 
anniversary of African-American independence day. Many of these events 
mirrored Fourth of July festivities. In these early days, the 
celebration included a prayer service, speakers with inspirational 
messages, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and stories from 
former slaves.
  Juneteenth festivals spread from Texas to neighboring states as freed 
African-Americans migrated in search of work and to re-unite families 
separated by the slave trade. Celebration of Juneteenth revived in 1950 
at the Texas State Fair Grounds in Dallas. Legislation passed in the 
66th Texas legislature declared June 19 Emancipation Day in Texas, 
beginning January 1, 1980. Since that time, the celebration of 
Juneteenth continues across the state of Texas.
  Laws can set the stage for change, but actual progress can be slow. 
As Juneteenth takes on a more national and global perspective, the 
events in 1865 in Texas cannot be forgotten, for on this fertile soil 
the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness 
which Jefferson so eloquently crafted and championed in the Declaration 
of Independence were ultimately made possible--in law though not always 
in fact--for the former slaves. Today, Juneteenth celebrates African-
American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all 
cultures. As we continue to move forward as a nation, we must continue 
to strive for equality. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. states on August 
28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln memorial:

       This will be the day when all of God's children will be 
     able to sing with a new meaning, ``My country, 'tis of thee, 
     sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers 
     died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, 
     let freedom ring.'' And if America is to be a great nation, 
     this must become true.

  And so today, let us continue to ring the bell of freedom and renew 
our commitment to the principles of equality and freedom--in fact not 
just in law--for all.

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