[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H4817-H4820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
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RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 160)
recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day,
and expressing the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as
a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the
future.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 160
Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier
areas of the United States, and in particular the
Southwestern States, for more than 2 years after President
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, and
months after the conclusion of the Civil War;
Whereas on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major
General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news
that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free;
Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the
Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as Juneteenth
Independence Day, as the anniversary of their emancipation;
Whereas African Americans from the Southwest continue the
tradition of Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and
encouragement for future generations;
Whereas for more than 135 years, Juneteenth Independence
Day celebrations have been held to honor African American
freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for
all cultures;
Whereas although Juneteenth Independence Day is beginning
to be recognized as a national, and even global, event, the
history behind the celebration should not be forgotten; and
Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by
former slaves remains an example for all people of the United
States, regardless of background, religion, 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 to the Nation;
(2) Congress supports the continued celebration of
Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the
people of the United States to learn more about the past and
to better understand the experiences that have shaped the
Nation;
(3) the President is urged to issue a proclamation calling
on the people of the United States to observe Juneteenth
Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs; and
(4) it is the sense of Congress that--
(A) history should 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 (Mr. Issa). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite) and the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-
Waite).
General Leave
Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous
consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to
revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the
resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Government Reform, I rise
in support of House Concurrent Resolution 160 that recognizes the
historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.
This resolution, offered by my distinguished colleague the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Davis), is a meaningful reminder of the monumental
day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. Originally an
African-American celebration, Juneteenth is certainly now a day for all
Americans to observe the end of slavery in the United States which was,
with little question, the most dreadful period in our Nation's history.
Mr. Speaker, as the Civil War raged in late 1862, President Abraham
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which would become
effective on January 1, 1863. The proclamation declared all slaves in
the Southern Confederate States free from New Year's Day 1863 forward.
Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, 1865, on which date news of
the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Texas, which was the last
secessionist State to emancipate its slaves, nearly 2 years after the
Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The delay was a result of there
being nearly no Union presence in south Texas to implement President
Lincoln's decree. Not until Union General Gordon Granger arrived in
Galveston, Texas, on the gulf coast and read the proclamation from the
docks on the original Juneteenth day did the slaves learn they were
freed. The news quickly spread throughout Texas, and celebrations and
unimaginable jubilation followed.
After the war ended, Congress ratified the 13th amendment to the
Constitution in December 1865 which outlawed all nonpunitive slavery
and involuntary servitude in any part of the
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United States. While it is a wonderful event, Juneteenth Independence
Day remains primarily a somber date. It is a day to honor and show
consideration for those who lived and suffered through the tortures of
more than 2\1/2\ centuries of slavery in America. It is a day that our
Nation has gradually accepted. During reconstruction, law usually
dictated that Juneteenth celebrations must be held in the outskirts of
towns. Finally, June 19th became a Texas State holiday in 1979. Today,
people of all backgrounds across the Nation observe Juneteenth
Independence Day through a variety of activities.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for authoring House
Concurrent Resolution 160. This past Sunday marked the 140th
anniversary of Juneteenth Independence Day, and I am pleased that this
body has chosen to consider this resolution in such a timely fashion. I
strongly support the purpose of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I am pleased to join with the gentlewoman from Florida in
consideration of this resolution and appreciate very much her remarks.
I also want to commend Chairman Tom Davis and Ranking Member Henry
Waxman of the Committee on Government Reform and the Speaker for the
expeditious way in which they moved this matter to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, June 19, Juneteenth as it is called, is a unique
people's holiday. It is the oldest known celebration of the end of
slavery in the United States. It marks the day that Union soldiers
arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 with news that the war had ended
and that all slaves were now free. Unfortunately, it was 2\1/2\ years
after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. We do not know why
it took so long for the news to get to Texas, but we do know that the
military general order which was posted that day read in part, ``The
people of Texas are informed that in accordance with the proclamation
from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free.''
The news spread like wildfire, and spontaneous celebrations sprang up
throughout the State and were repeated each June 19 of each following
year. We continue to celebrate Juneteenth because of the importance of
slavery in American history and because the lingering effects of
slavery remain a part of the legacy of our country. The legacy of
slavery continues to play a role in our daily lives and politics. The
vast racial disparities in employment, income, home ownership,
education, voter registration and participation, health status and
mortality all continue to exist. The great historian John Hope Franklin
wrote, ``Much history occurs of which some historians decide to take no
notice.''
Juneteenth is the people's answer to the obscuring and distortion of
much of the history and experience of African Americans in this
country. It is an enduring statement that the truth cannot be
suppressed forever, and that the struggle for justice and equality will
and must continue. Juneteenth is a great time, not only to celebrate
but to remember and renew our hope that tomorrow will be different than
yesterday.
I thank all of those who were cosigners onto this resolution and urge
that all my colleagues support it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as
he may consume to my distinguished colleague the gentleman from Florida
(Mr. Foley).
Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida, the
gentleman from Illinois, and all who have joined together to bring this
proclamation to the floor, House Concurrent Resolution 160.
Let me turn to the third page of the bill. I think it is important,
because some people do ask the question why do we seem to continue to
try and repeat history or review history, and I think this section of
the bill speaks volumes of the purpose of this resolution. It states,
History should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and
solving the challenges of the future. It also suggests that this
celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of
the history and heritage of the United States.
Often in the early morning hours, I find myself jogging down the
Mall. I end there at, or at least my halfway point is the Lincoln
Memorial, Abraham Lincoln's shrine, if you will, to what I believe is
one of the most noble and great acts of any American President who,
despite popular opinion at the time, took the battle to those who would
ensnare and harbor our brothers and sisters in slavery. An evil part of
our history unfolded back in that decade and that century, to free
these people from this wretched, wretched behavior of our past.
So today it is about obviously looking backwards in time to try and
paint a portrait for young people today to suggest never ever again
should this type of behavior be ever allowed in a free soil with free
people and that we learn from this tragedy and this horrible dark
period in our history the lessons that all men are created equal, that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, and
that they are and should be given liberty and justice. I thank all
those parties who are involved in this resolution.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time
as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr.
Boswell), an original cosponsor of this resolution.
(Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, this is a very special day. I congratulate
and I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite) and my
dear friend from Chicago, Illinois (Mr. Davis). Perhaps this is one of
those times where everything has been said but maybe all of us have not
said it yet, but I think it needs repetition. We have been at this for
a while. It should have happened some time ago. Efforts were actually
made.
Can you imagine the feeling that went on there in the Southwest when
the general rode in and said, ``I've got a message. Well, it's 2 years
old, but you're free.'' I cannot imagine how they must have felt. It
celebrates ideals that all Americans share. The desire for freedom and
self-determination are at the very soul of the American dream. I think
we all understand that. Throughout the history of the United States, we
have grown as a Nation and a people. Learning from our past, as has
been said, learning that freedom and liberty are ideals we must to work
for and there is yet work to do.
Since the first Juneteenth celebration in Galveston, this remembrance
has grown into a regional, national and global celebration of freedom.
In my own State of Iowa, the seventh State to recognize this
independence day, Juneteenth is met with multiple days of education,
history, camaraderie, celebration and community spirit.
Last Saturday in Evelyn Davis Park, one of the favorite places in Des
Moines, Iowa, the African-American community and many others, the
mayor, myself, others, we came together to celebrate and to share
together and to enjoy this really national remembrance. A week prior at
the Fort Des Moines Hotel, Dr. Myers, Reverend Myers, if you will, came
to key-note speak to us and give us the background and history of the
other efforts that have been made. I am very, very proud of the efforts
that he made to come all the way from Alabama, a man who has given his
life work to try to make life better for those that are wanting to
climb the ladder of success.
I am very proud of my African American constituency in my home State
of Iowa. Gary Lawson, chairman of the Iowa Juneteenth committee, has
stayed focused and stayed on this, and so when we talked about this
over time and we came to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), we
were really in concert that this needed to be done.
If I may, I would like to share a couple of names here: Minnie
Mallard, Reverend Keith Ratliff, Reverend Elder Day, Linda Carter-
Lewis, Ako Abdul-Samad who is on our school board, Kim Baxter, Jonathan
Narcisse, Mary Ann Spicer who is very active in many activities with
the African American community, Odell McGhee, Willie Glanton, France
Hawthorne, Cheryl Bolden, State Representative Wayne
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Ford, Amelia Morris, Rudy Simms, Floyd Jones, Dr. Mary Chapman, Odell
Jenkins, Barbara Oliver-Hall. Of course, I have mentioned Reverend
Ronald Myers. I am sure I have left some out and I probably should not
have gone there, but I am very proud to have worked with the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny
Brown-Waite) on House Concurrent Resolution 160 recognizing Juneteenth.
History must be regarded as a means of understanding the past and
solving the future. It is my hope that we will pass this resolution
today. Each one of us should speak to our two Senators and press them
to have quick action in the Senate and get this over to the President
for his signature. This is the right thing to do, long overdue.
Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as
he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).
Mr. POE. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 160, recognizing the
historical significance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the oldest known
African American celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the
United States. This holiday actually started because of events back in
my home State of Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger
led Northern soldiers into Galveston, Texas, first to announce the
ending of the War Between the States and to order the release of the
last remaining slaves.
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President Lincoln had actually issued the Emancipation Proclamation 2
years earlier freeing the slaves. He did so on January 1, 1863, in the
midst of the War between the States. This was called the peculiar
institution of slavery in the South, and it continued until this
historic day, June 19, 1865, in Texas.
So on that day, June 19, 1865, Major General Granger dramatically
declared when he landed in Galveston, Texas, ``The people of Texas are
informed that in accordance with the proclamation from the Executive of
the United States, all slaves are free. This involves absolute equality
of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.''
Thus the phrase ``Juneteenth'' originated.
It is interesting to note that the Emancipation Proclamation only
freed the slaves in the South, not the border States. It took the 13th
amendment to the Constitution to free all remaining slaves in the
United States.
In any event, Juneteenth has not only become a Texas holiday but a
national event. This past Sunday, thousands of Americans across the
Nation celebrated Juneteenth through cultural displays and various
educational activities. There have been numerous African American
freedom fighters throughout countless generations, and they paid a
precious price to deliver equality and freedom. We have made
significant strides in assuring that this country fulfills the words of
our national anthem: ``The land of free and the home of the brave.''
But we must remain ever vigilant, and these events such as Juneteenth
will help us to remember that the Declaration of Independence must be a
true reality for all peoples.
As that Declaration of Independence says, written by Thomas
Jefferson: ``We'' do ``hold these truths to be self-evident, that all
men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and
the'' absolute ``pursuit of Happiness.''
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I will simply close. Abraham Lincoln once made the statement that our
Nation could not survive half slave and half free. Perhaps, as we look
at ourselves today, we might say that our Nation will never become all
that it has the possibility of being as long as we continue to
experience the great disparities, disparities in health care,
disparities in job opportunities, disparities in educational
opportunities, disparities in housing, disparities in hope that one can
experience the fulfillment of their dreams.
So as we support this resolution, we reflect upon the need for equal
justice and continuing the pursuit for equal opportunity to every man
his chance, his golden opportunity, to become all that he or she would
have the potential of being, all that their hard work, integrity, the
essence of their strength, all that their history and culture will
combine to make them. That is, indeed, as Thomas Wolf would say, the
promise of America. So Juneteenth is a day of hope and a day of promise
that America will indeed become the land of the free, home of the
brave.
I thank all of those who have come to the floor to speak on this
concurrent resolution, all of the co-sponsors who co-sponsored and
brought it to us today. I urge all of my colleagues to agree to it so
that America does become the America that has never been, but the
America that we all know can be.
Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my support
for House Concurrent Resolution 160, a resolution that honors the
national significance of June 19, 1865 when slaves in Texas were
finally freed. I would like to thank Congressman Davis for his
leadership and all of the supporters of this important piece of
legislation.
On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas
and announced the freedom of the last American slaves; belatedly
freeing 250,000 slaves in Texas nearly two and a half years after
Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The day coined
``Juneteenth'' was first celebrated in the Texas state capital in 1867
under the direction of the Freedmen's Bureau. Today, Juneteenth remains
the oldest known celebration of slavery's demise. It commemorates
freedom while acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions made by
courageous African Americans towards making our great Nation the more
conscious and accepting country that it has become.
Not until 1979 when my friend State Representative Al Edwards
introduced the bill did Juneteenth become a Texas state holiday. It was
first celebrated as such in 1980. Now 25 years later the United States
House of Representatives will pass House Concurrent Resolution 160 as
our Nation celebrates Juneteenth. As the Representative of the 9th
Congressional District of Texas, I am pleased to join my colleagues in
acknowledging the historical significance of Juneteenth as we remain
ever-vigilant in recognizing that ``history should be regarded as a
means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the
future.''
Civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ``Freedom is
never free,'' and African American labor leader A. Phillip Randolph
often said ``Freedom is never given. It is won.'' We should all
recognize the power and the ironic truth of those statements and we
should pause to remember the enormous price paid by all Americans in
our country's quest to realize its promise. Juneteenth honors the end
of the 400 years of suffering African Americans endured under slavery
and celebrates the legacy of perseverance that has become the hallmark
of the African American community and its struggle for equality.
As we celebrate the 140th anniversary of Juneteenth, I ask that all
of my colleagues join me in reflecting upon its significance. Because
it was only after that day in 1865 when General Granger rode into
Galveston, Texas, on the heels of the most devastating conflict in our
country's history, in the aftermath of a civil war that pitted brother
against brother, neighbor against neighbor and threatened to tear the
fabric of our union apart forever that America truly became the land of
the free and the home of the brave.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Con. Res.
160, a resolution recognizing the importance of the Juneteenth
anniversary celebrations held nationwide on June 19. On that date 140
years ago, Union forces arrived at Galveston, Texas, bringing news of
the Confederate surrender and enforcing, finally, President Abraham
Lincoln's two-and-a-half-year old emancipation of the slaves. The
ensuing celebration quickly became an annual event, spreading west to
Seattle, north to Minneapolis, and east to Portland, Maine. In my own
state of New Jersey, Juneteenth is celebrated at churches, community
centers, and family picnics across the state.
I strongly support H. Con. Res. 160, which recognizes the
significance of the Juneteenth anniversary and proclaims the sense of
Congress that history should be regarded as a means for understanding
the past and solving the challenges of the future. I rise to honor the
celebration, and to honor the myriad contributions that African-
Americans have made to American society in the years before and since.
As inventors, teachers, firemen, soldiers, doctors, and statesmen,
African-Americans have honored this country with their service and
dedication. The longevity of the Juneteenth celebration is an enduring
testament to the virtue of celebrating diversity.
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Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I must also rise today to recognize the
struggle that still faces us. Juneteenth evokes in all of us thoughts
of a dark chapter in our Nation's history, and reinforces that which we
already know: the struggle for equality is far from over. The joyous
celebration of the emancipation of the slaves of Galveston, Texas,
serves to remind us all of the need to remain committed to the justice,
and freedom.
Today, Juneteenth is the longest-running celebration of the end of
slavery in the United States. Its durability alone illustrates its
significance. For that reason, Mr. Speaker, and for all the reasons
above, I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting H. Con.
Res. 160.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent
Resolution 160, which recognizes the historic significance of
Juneteenth Independence Day and encourages its continued celebration so
all Americans can learn more about our country's past.
The resolution also rightly expresses the sense of Congress that
knowing our history helps us solve challenges we face in the future,
and that the celebration of the end of slavery is an important part of
the history and heritage of the United States.
Mr. 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
learned they had been freed.
Although slavery was abolished officially in 1863, it took over 2
years for news of freedom to spread to 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. This holiday originated in the Southwest, but today it
is celebrated throughout the Nation.
H. Con. Res. 160 underscores that the observance of Juneteenth
Independence Day is 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 my colleagues to support this
important resolution.
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 160,
legislation commemorating a monumental day in the history of liberty,
Juneteenth Independence Day. Juneteenth marks the events of June 19,
1865, when slaves in Galveston, Texas learned that they were at last
free men and women. The slaves of Galveston were the last group of
slaves to learn of the end of slavery. Thus, Juneteenth represents the
end of slavery in America.
I hope all Americans will take the time to commemorate Juneteenth.
Friends of human liberty should celebrate the end of slavery in any
country. The end of American slavery is particularly worthy of
recognition since there are few more blatant violations of America's
founding principles, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence,
than slavery. I am particularly pleased to join the recognition of
Juneteenth because I have the privilege of representing Galveston.
I thank the gentleman from Illinois for introducing this resolution,
which I am proud to cosponsor. I thank the House leadership for
bringing this resolution to the floor, and I urge all of my colleagues
to honor the end of slavery by voting for H. Con. Res. 160.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to
support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 160, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Issa). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite) that
the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H.
Con. Res. 160.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. 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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