[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H3703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               JUNETEENTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be with you 
here tonight as we gather here in remembrance of a day that has become 
a symbol of African-American freedom and culture. On June 19, 1865, 
Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, 
Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved black 
Americans were now free. Granger's message came two and a half years 
after President Lincoln's Emanicipation Proclamation.
  Upon his arrival, Granger's first orders of business was to read to 
the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which 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.

  On the evening of June 19, 1865, thousands of African-Americans 
filled the streets of Galveston, celebrating their newly announced 
freedom. Throughout the night, the sweet smell of barbecue, combined 
with the sounds of dancing feet, and harmonic spirituals, permeated the 
air. For the slaves freed in Galveston and across America, June 19th, 
would and does forever commemorate African-American freedom.
  Juneteenth became an official State holiday through the efforts of Al 
Edwards, an African-American Texas legislator, making Juneteenth the 
first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. 
Juneteenth celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-
development and respect for all cultures.
  Across the nation and even the world, thousands will participate in 
activities and events in remembrance of Union soldiers' arrival in 
Texas. Let us reflect and rejoice on this monumental event in history. 
Let us come together and join hands across races, nationalities and 
religions to acknowledge a part of American history that has, does, and 
will continue to shape our society as we know it today.
  African-Americans' history is America's history and the events of 
1865 will not be forgotten as the celebration of Juneteenth takes on a 
more national and even global perspective. For that reason, I am 
supporting the establishment of a commission to commemorate those 
enslaved Americans that fought so vigilantly for their freedom. I am 
also proud to be an original sponsor of a bill that would support the 
erection of monument honoring African-American slaves.
  A day such as Juneteenth enhances the importance of the War on 
Terrorism and the importance of fighting the evils that threaten human 
rights and freedoms across the globe. Just as the slaves in Galveston 
and President Lincoln recognized the value of freedom in 1865, so too, 
should we realize the importance of remembering that day and taking its 
lessons with us as we confront the current political climate.
  I urge you all here, if you haven't already, please take a moment to 
reflect on the meaning of this day. Reflect on its meaning for African-
Americans, and its meaning for oppressed persons around the globe. Take 
the opportunity to participate in the various activities and events 
organized in celebration of Juneteenth, and I urge you to never forget 
what the day June 19 means to American history.

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