[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Juneteenth Independence Day 
which we observe with Resolution 546, sponsored by Rep. Danny Davis of 
Illinois. The House of Representatives notes the importance of 
effectively understanding our past as the foundation of a progressive 
and egalitarian future.
  We remember June 19, 1865, ``Juneteenth,'' as the day of the 
announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in the last of the States 
in the Union. Though President Abraham Lincoln intended the 
Emancipation Proclamation to go into effect on January 1, 1863, slaves 
in the last of the slaveholding territories, namely Texas, did not hear 
of their freedom until 1865. Galveston, Texas is recognized as the 
birthplace of Juneteenth and as of this March, 36 states have 
recognized the day for observance. Now, 145 years later, we remember 
Juneteenth as a turning point in the history of Black Americans.
  This celebration of freedom and equality is an important patriotic 
symbol in the history of the Nation. Juneteenth is an opportunity for 
us to pause and remember the difficult road to advancement and to 
reflect on the importance of that political organizing in Galveston by 
former slaves to celebrate their freedom and new status. Juneteenth is 
one of the earliest landmarks of the active political involvement of 
Black Americans following the sacrifices made by the more than 200,000 
people who fought and died in the Civil War.
  We are also reminded of the many achievements and contributions Black 
Americans have made to the country in all fields. We highlight the work 
done by civil rights leaders and activists who have carried on the 
spirit and legacy of emancipation. In particular, we salute those men 
and women serving in our armed forces, who could not serve today 
without the rights afforded them by the work of previous generations of 
Black Americans who fought in every conflict since the Nation's 
founding. Culturally, we must recognize the magnanimous impact of Black 
artists, performers and academics in shaping American identity well 
beyond the 21st century.
  While Juneteenth started in Texas, its impact and importance to the 
United States' commitment to independence and liberty is felt 
nationwide. Freedom is at the core of the legacy of the United States 
and of all its citizens, regardless of race or personal background. I 
am proud to celebrate and recognize the significance of Juneteenth 
today and forever in our Nation's history.

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