[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 104 (Monday, June 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 1237 recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth 
Independence Day.
  I am honored to be a co-sponsor of this resolution, which celebrates 
the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United 
States and encourages us to use our understanding of history to more 
effectively face the challenges of the future.
  Juneteenth began as a day to celebrate African-American freedom by 
commemorating the arrival of the news of the end of slavery in the 
frontier areas of the United States two years after President Lincoln's 
Emancipation Proclamation. 143 years later, Juneteenth has taken on a 
much bigger cause: encouraging self-development and respect for all 
peoples and cultures. Juneteenth is a day for Americans of all races, 
ethnicities and religions to join together and reflect on a chapter in 
America's history that continues to cast a shadow on the American 
experience. It is also a time to recognize that while we cannot change 
history, we must learn from it and use its lessons to eradicate slavery 
and improve human rights around the world.
  Unfortunately, slavery continues to exist in the Sudan, West African 
countries and elsewhere. In addition, millions of women and children 
are trafficked as forced laborers and sex workers throughout the world. 
At least 800,000 people are trafficked across borders worldwide each 
year, including an estimated 14,500-17,500 persons into the United 
States. When trafficking within countries is included, the total global 
figure rises as high as four million people, many of whom are women and 
children. The United States has both the moral obligation and the 
required resources to help end modern day slavery.
  This Juneteenth, more than 60,000 Minnesotans will come together in 
my District for a festival and a parade celebrating African American 
history, cuisine and culture. Madam Speaker, I call on my colleagues to 
celebrate this Juneteenth by rededicating themselves to eliminating 
slavery, exploitation and racism in all forms from our world, and join 
me in supporting H. Res. 1237.

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