[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 91 (Friday, June 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMEMORATING ``JUNETEENTH''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the occasion of 
``Juneteenth,'' 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 19 as the African American 
Emancipation Day has spread from coast to coast in the United States 
and beyond.
  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.
  Juneteenth 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, whom wore Juneteenth freedom buttons.
  Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence through 
Poor Peoples March to Washington D.C. Rev. Ralph Abernathy's call for 
people 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.
  On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official 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 ever since actively sought to spread the 
observance of Juneteenth all across America.
  Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom while 
encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As I look 
proudly upon the 37th District of California--one of the most 
ethnically and culturally diverse districts in the nation--the future 
of Juneteenth looks bright.
  Throughout the year, but especially during this celebration, the 
communities of Southern California have come together to recognize one 
another's heritages and histories. From commemorating Black History 
Month in February to celebrating the Cambodian New Year this April, we 
are seizing every opportunity to educate ourselves about the 
experiences of others in true Juneteenth spirit.
  And yet, we remain mindful that the struggle continues.
  Unfortunately, laws aimed at voter suppression have been recently 
introduced in several states across the country and disproportionately 
reduce the turnout of minority voters. Some laws require specific forms 
of government-issued photo identification that as many as one in ten 
voters do not have. Nine states have introduced bills to reduce early 
voting periods, a system that is most utilized by minorities and 
seniors.
  Given the lack of evidence of current voter fraud, I fear that these 
bills instead stem from a political agenda to dampen voter turnout. 
These unnecessary and discriminatory regulations are a dangerous step 
backward in time. We should be promoting civic participation, not 
limiting it and disenfranchising millions of Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, freedom is not to be taken for granted. It is promised 
to every citizen, but that promise is only upheld by constant vigilance 
and hard work. To mark Juneteenth this year, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in ensuring that the freedom secured through emancipation is a 
reality for all citizens almost 150 years later.

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