[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 93 (Friday, June 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH

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                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 19, 2009

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize June 19, 
2009, or ``Juneteenth,'' the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration 
of the ending of slavery in the United States.
  The observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day 
originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865, and is now celebrated around 
the United States. This day was chosen because it was on June 19th that 
the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war 
had ended and that the enslaved were now free--a full two and a half 
years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation became 
official on January 1, 1863. The day was largely celebrated within 
African-American communities until the Civil Rights movement, when 
Reverend Ralph Abernathy called for people of all races, economic 
levels, and professions to come to Washington, D.C. to show support for 
the poor at the Poor People's March on Juneteenth in 1968. Many of the 
participants returned home and initiated Juneteenth celebrations in 
their own communities.
  Every year, the celebration of Juneteenth grows in popularity across 
the United States. It is a day when we recognize and remember the evils 
of slavery and the suffering it caused. But it is also a day that 
celebrates African American freedom and emphasizes education and 
achievement with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family 
gatherings. Participants of all races, nationalities and religions 
celebrate and take the time to reflect on the past and rejoice in the 
present and future.
  Madam Speaker, I would also like to note that in California's 37th 
Congressional District the city of Carson, Compton, and Long Beach, 
which I am proud to represent, celebrated Juneteenth in a very special 
way. In Long Beach, The MusicUntold Orchestra and Chorale performed the 
Bicentennial Symphony, by composer Roy Harris, which is considered the 
most powerful musical statement ever made on slavery in the United 
States. Ollie Woodson, formally of the Temptations, performed at the 
Carson celebration and the Compton celebration featured Howard Hewitt 
and the Whispers.
  As we celebrate Juneteenth, Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to 
recognize this day and take a moment to honor the women and men that 
dedicated their lives to ending slavery.

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