Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 94 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)

[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4643-H4645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 546) recognizing the historical
significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense
of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a
means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the
challenges of the future.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 546

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, That--
(1) the House of Representatives recognizes the historical
significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation;
(2) the House of Representatives 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; and
(3) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
(A) history should be regarded as a means for understanding
the past and more effectively facing 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. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.

General Leave

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 546, a resolution that
recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day
and expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that history
should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more
effectively facing the challenges of the future. I am delighted that we
can bring this measure to the floor today.
I introduced H. Res. 546 on June 15, 2009, and the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform ordered it to be reported by unanimous
consent on June 17, 2010. It comes to the floor with over 60
cosponsors. I am pleased to join with them in recognizing this
important day.
Juneteenth, or the 19th of June, recognizes June 19, 1865, when, in
Galveston, Texas, Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom for
all slaves in the Southwest.

{time} 1430

This was the last major vestige of slavery in the United States
following the end of the Civil War. This event occurred more than 2\1/
2\ years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President
Abraham Lincoln. Upon reading of General Order No. 3 by General
Granger, the former slaves celebrated jubilantly, establishing
America's second independence day celebration and the oldest African
American holiday observance.
Since that time over 145 years ago, the descendants of slaves have
observed this anniversary of emancipation as a remembrance of one of
the most tragic periods in our Nation's history. The suffering,
degradation, and brutality of slavery cannot be repaired; but the
memory can serve to ensure that no such inhumanity is ever perpetrated
again on American soil.
Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while
encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. This
celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of
the history and heritage of the United States. I, therefore, ask my
colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of this measure.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise today in support of H. Res. 546, recognizing the historical
significance of Juneteenth Independence Day. It is important to once
again remember a day when the wants and needs of the people brought our
country out of one of the darkest stages of its history. It is through
recognition of such an incredible achievement that we are able to pave
the way for many more like it.
On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Federal soldiers marched into Galveston and
notified the slaves of Texas that their lives of servitude were over.
Amazingly, this action took place more than 2 years after President
Lincoln's famous Emancipation Proclamation speech was delivered.
Over 100 years later, Juneteenth serves as a time when we can
celebrate the true end to slavery in the United States. June 19,
commonly known as Juneteenth, also reminds us that it is our duty to
constantly work to better our country. On this day, we celebrate
culture and, more importantly, emancipation. It is important that our
children learn along with our families about the times surrounding the
Civil War, but also of this monumental achievement that followed that
June day in Galveston.
By taking time to celebrate Juneteenth Independence Day, we honor the
richness, diversity, and heritage of all races in our Nation. I ask all
my fellow Members to join me in support of H. Res. 546.
Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of
``Juneteenth,'' the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the

[[Page H4644]]

ending of slavery in the United States. Originally a celebration of the
announcement of the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas in 1865,
the holiday has come to symbolize our Nation's most significant moment
of moral and social progress: the end of the Civil War, the abolition
of slavery throughout the full United States, and the freedom of
enslaved African Americans after hundreds of years of untold oppression
and hardship endured.
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 19, 1865
that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the
war had ended and informed the enslaved population that they had been
set free under President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation a full two
and one half years earlier. 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
strata, and professions to come to Washington, D.C. to show support for
the impoverished and oppressed at the Poor Peoples March on June 19,
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, the suffering it caused, and the lives it took. But it is
also a day that celebrates African American freedom 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. Finally, it is an opportunity to emphasize the need for
continued efforts to promote educational, economic, political, and
social equality throughout our country.
Mr. Speaker, in the wonderfully diverse 37th District, we share as a
community a legacy of overcoming difficulties, working to defeat our
obstacles, and empowering ourselves to improve our lives and our
neighborhoods. I am proud that, this year, in the 37th district, the
cities of Carson, Compton, and Long Beach, as well as the neighborhoods
of Watts and Willowbrook, all held Juneteenth celebrations. I was
fortunate enough to attend the celebration in Compton and can say that
it was at once a solemn remembrance of those who struggled against
slavery and oppression, an inspiring celebration of freedom, and an
opportunity to revisit the past in order to improve our collective
future.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, Mr. 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 and promoting freedom and
equality in our Nation.
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my
strong support for H. Res. 546 recognizing the historical significance
of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for
understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenge of the
future. I would like to applaud my colleague Representative Davis for
his persistence in celebrating this momentous occasion in U.S. history.
When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into law in
1863, he freed the slaves in the confederate states. Though they were
free on paper many slaves continued with their lives unaware of their
freedom. Such was the case in Galveston, Texas. For two years the black
population of this city lived their lives as slaves, as opposed to
other southern states like Georgia and North Carolina in which the
black population knew of the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19th,
the situation changed when Union General Gordon Granger announced the
news of their freedom to the black citizens of Galveston. Seen as one
of the last bastions of slavery, General Granger's announcement brought
about the end of slavery in Texas.
We often praise this country for the great freedom that it affords
its citizens, yet Juneteenth serves as a consistent and glaring
reminder of our darker past. While it is true that significant strides
have been made since then, it is important that we not forget from
whence we come and learn from it. I'm proud to represent the state of
Georgia in the United States House of Representatives, but I also
recognize that the great state I serve did allow the oppression of
blacks as slaves. History is a tool to be used for growth--a means
through which we can understand and face the challenges of tomorrow.
Today Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is now recognized as a
state holiday in 36 states and primarily serves to remind, inspire, and
encourage future generations. Mr. Speaker, I stand proudly to support
this resolution and would urge my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 546,
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. 546.
Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 546
recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.
On June 19th, 1865 Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger,
landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that
the enslaved were now free. This news was declared two and a half years
after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Because the slaves
spent two years unnecessarily enslaved, this day had been declared a
holiday; Juneteenth is the oldest holiday in the United States
commemorating the ending of slavery. The Juneteenth holiday is a day
where peoples of all races can reflect on the evils and suffering of
slavery and recognize the contributions that African Americans have
made to society since Juneteenth.
When I first came to this body, these were the same issues that my
constituents and the African American community at-large faced. As we
commemorate Juneteenth, there will be celebrations, but I hope there
will also be reflections. Even today, the vestiges of slavery still
impose the cycle of poverty on the descendants of the freedmen. As time
has passed, many have said the free market would take care of these
people, but it is clear that it has left them behind. As we commemorate
today, we must not forget to pursue the unfinished business of equality
that emancipation began so long ago.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of H. Res. 546 which recognizes the historical significance of
Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for
understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of
the future.
On June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas,
with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved African-
Americans were free, ``Juneteenth Independence Day'' was born. On this
historic day, legend has it, while standing on the balcony of
Galveston's Ashton Villa, Granger read the contents of ``General Order
No. 3'':

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a
proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all
slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of
personal rights and rights of property between former masters
and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between
them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The
freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes
and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be
allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not
be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.

In that moment, Galveston streets were filled with jubilant
celebrations and the following year, the commemoration of June 19th or
Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas. The newly freed African-
Americans pulled what few resources they had to purchase land in their
communities to have these gatherings. Houston's Emancipation Park,
Mexia's Booker T. Washington Park, and Emancipation Park in Austin are
the present day result of these efforts.
Mr. Speaker, I can image how the words of President Lincoln resonated
in their hearts and souls; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
for all equal citizens was no longer a dream, they were a reality.
Hundreds of thousands of American citizens were released from the grips
of bondage; we are freed men and women. However, while it is a
celebration of our emancipation, it is also a reminder of the progress
we have yet to make.
The Emancipation Proclamation Abraham Lincoln issued on September 22,
1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, had minimal initial
effect in some States. Let this be a reminder, that words are
meaningless without action. We must be steadfast and willing to do our
parts as citizens to uphold and carry out

[[Page H4645]]

the will of the people and the laws of our great Nation. The United
States has made great strides of improvement and we continue to press
forward to obtain those values in which we hold dear.
Juneteenth became an official State holiday through the efforts of Al
Edwards, an African-American State legislator from Texas in 1980. The
successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first
emancipation celebration granted official State recognition. As of
March 2010, 36 States have followed suit in the celebrations and the
adoption of this historic day. In my district, we actively celebrate
this holiday through, reenactments, of the reading of the Emancipation
Proclamation at Ashton Villa and various parades and musical events all
across Houston.
Juneteenth is a day to reflect upon the African-American experience
and it includes all races, ethnicities and nationalities. It is a
symbolical reference point of our progress and the contributions we
have made to make this country what it is today. Juneteenth is a time
to reconnect with loved ones and have a renewed sense of community.
In conclusion, I am reminded of what President Obama stated 2 years
ago pertaining to Juneteenth and the continued pursuit of the values
embedded in this day:

We pause to remember that our nation has made tremendous
progress, but has many miles to go on the long march toward
finally fulfilling the ideals of this country. When too many
Americans go without affordable healthcare or a quality
education; when neighborhoods unravel due to a housing market
in crisis; when special interests hold their thumbs on the
scale of opportunity; we have more work to do.
Juneteenth is a day for celebration of freedom and family,
but also a day that calls us all to rededicate ourselves to
the convictions at the heart of our American experiment. It
reminds us that with the work of each successive generation,
we come closer to the realization of that more perfect union.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to
join me in supporting this resolution, and I yield back the balance of
my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 546.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
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.

____________________