[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 102 (Friday, June 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
passage of House Concurrent Resolution 155. This resolution recognizes 
Juneteenth's significance in crafting a rich African American legacy. 
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom or Emancipation Day, is an informal 
observance in fourteen states in the United States. It marked the 
beginning of a new phase in African-American history, when emancipated 
slaves along with their former owners began, slowly and haltingly, to 
travel the long road to equality and integration.
  Celebrated on June 19th, Juneteenth is the name given to emancipation 
day by African Americans in Texas. On that day in 1865, Union Major 
General Gordon Granger read General Order #3, officially proclaiming 
freedom for slaves in that state. Granger's ride through Galveston 
culminated a two-and a half-year trek through America's deep south to 
liberate the enslaved.
  Juneteenth is an expression and extension of American freedom, and 
like the Fourth of July, is a time for all Americans to celebrate our 
independence, human rights, civil rights and freedom. It is an occasion 
where time, history and culture conspire to celebrate such a symbolic 
event.
  The celebration of June 19th as emancipation day spread from Texas to 
the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It has 
also appeared in Alabama, Florida, and California as African American 
Texans migrated to those regions. Juneteenth's commemoration did not 
only extend its geographic reach but it also embraced participants from 
all political and civic segments of the black community.
  Unfortunately, my home state does not officially recognize Juneteenth 
but has an unofficial commemoration on May 20th in the capital, 
Tallahassee. Even as we acknowledge the evils of slavery and the 
ravages it wrought upon our society while paying tribute to those who 
suffered with no recompense, Juneteenth challenges us to strengthen our 
bonds of unity and to offer support to one another.
  Even more importantly, Juneteenth does not polarize black and white 
Americans. Rather, it has become an annual cultural observance 
primarily devoted to civic affairs because it encourages us to be 
sensitive to others' conditions and experiences, so that we can make 
significant and lasting improvements in our society. Like the African 
Sankofa, we must acknowledge and honor our past. But we must always 
fervently forge to solidify a hopeful future.
  Regrettably, the African American community continues to confront 
many challenges in mitigating and eventually eliminating institutional 
racism. Emancipation did not bring equality. We still live in a society 
plagued by prejudices and stereotypes. I find it unfathomable that such 
a momentous occasion is seldom acknowledged, much less celebrated. We 
must not let our past dictate our present. After all, we owe it to the 
thousands of lives that were mercilessly destroyed by an elitist 
society designed to subject and suppress them. Let us take the 
initiative to finally tend to a gashing wound that has crippled the 
African American community. Let us honor our ancestors and build a 
future noteworthy of their legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, Juneteenth is a significant event that addresses the 
paradoxical race relations in our nation! It recognizes the impediments 
faced by the black community yet continues to inspire us to strive for 
an egalitarian society. We should set precedence on addressing past 
atrocities and present disparities so that we can truly embody 
democracy. I am honored to support this resolution.

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