[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   AFRICAN-AMERICAN EMANCIPATION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 18, 2004

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of one of the 
oldest and most celebrated holidays in African-American history, June 
19th, African-American Emancipation Day.
  On tomorrow's date 139 years ago, at the end of the Civil War, Major 
General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the 
Emancipation Proclamation and ensure that all slaves across the South 
were set free.
  General Granger's order declared that ``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.'' Upon hearing this news, the celebration 
began in the streets of Galveston and has spread through the years into 
a worldwide celebration commemorating African-American freedom.
  In 1865, African-Americans began a long struggle to gain equal rights 
with other citizens. More than 100 years later, courageous men and 
women were still fighting for the civil rights of African Americans. 
The celebration of Juneteenth acknowledges the price, history, culture 
and freedom of part of our American society and helps to unify the 
Nation as a whole. Africn-Americans have played an important role 
throughout America's history, and we should all be grateful for their 
many contributions to our society.
  The celebration of Juneteenth that has spread throughout this nation 
in these 139 years observes the momentous occasions in African-American 
history and the history of the United States. Each year, the Juneteenth 
celebration grows bigger and spreads farther than the year before, and 
I hope these events continue to broaden in the years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, as African-Americans gather with family, friends, and 
neighbors in marking the tradition of Juneteenth, I extend my warmest 
wishes for a memorable celebration, and I ask all citizens to renew our 
commitment to a nation of equality and opportunity for all people.

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