[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]




                              {time}  1115
 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

[[Page H4818]]

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

[[Page H4819]]

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.

                              {time}  1130

  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.

[[Page H4820]]

  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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