[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. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 155, which recognizes the historical significance of 
Juneteenth Independence Day, and expresses the sense of Congress that 
history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and 
more effectively facing the challenges of the future.
  June 19th also known as Juneteenth, is the oldest nationally 
celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. 
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th 
as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United 
States and beyond, yet it is still not a nationally recognized holiday.
  On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official Texas state holiday 
through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state 
legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as 
the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. 
Representative Edwards has since actively sought to spread the 
observance of Juneteenth all across America.
  Today, Juneteenth commemorates African-American freedom. This special 
day emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in 
some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics 
and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is 
a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. 
Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in 
America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all 
races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully 
acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to 
influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and 
experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting 
improvements in our society.

  The Civil Rights movement of the 50's and 60's yielded both positive 
and negative results for the Juneteenth celebrations. While it pulled 
many of the African American youth away and into the struggle for 
racial equality, many linked these struggles to the historical 
struggles of their ancestors. This was evidenced by student 
demonstrators involved in the Atlanta civil rights campaign in the 
early 1960's, who wore Juneteenth freedom buttons.
  Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence through 
the Poor People's March to Washington, DC, Rev. Ralph Abernathy's call 
for people of all races, creeds, economic levels and professions to 
come to Washington to show support for the poor. Many of these 
attendees returned home and initiated Juneteenth celebrations in areas 
previously absent of such activity. In fact, two of the largest 
Juneteenth celebrations founded after this march are now held in 
Milwaukee and Minneapolis.
  Throughout the 80's and 90's Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a 
growing and healthy interest from communities and organizations 
throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry 
Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered 
activities. In recent years, a number of National Juneteenth 
Organizations have risen to take their place alongside older 
organizations--all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge 
and appreciation of African American history and culture.
  Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom while 
encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes 
on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in 
Texas are not forgotten. The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the 
number of cities and states come on board and form local committees and 
organizations to coordinate the activities.
  Now in 2007, I push forward with the hope that my colleagues will 
remember with compassion the African American citizens who helped build 
this country, but were still held in illegal bondage due to the hatred, 
bigotry and cruelty of others. I ask that my colleagues help support 
this resolution and its efforts in making Juneteenth a nationally 
recognized holiday.

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