[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 96 (Thursday, June 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING VENTURA COUNTY'S 24TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

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                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Ventura County's 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, which commemorates 
the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States of 
America. Today, this event serves as an observance and celebration of 
African-American history and heritage. Additionally, Juneteenth serves 
as a reminder to us all of the importance of our country's multi-
cultural diversity and the spirit of community we hold as a nation.
   On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger announced to all who 
were enslaved that they were free, thus marking the memorial of this 
occurrence as the Juneteenth celebration. The early Juneteenth 
festivities were held in the spirit of celebrating and honoring the 
newly freed citizens' ancestors. The bountiful feasts and lively 
celebrations fueled the overall cherishment of African-American 
heritage, with great emphasis put on the exploration and education of 
the African-American community.
   For over a century, Juneteenth is celebrated in all corners of the 
nation and has established a role of promoting reverence for African 
American history and achievement. Over the last several years, this 
vibrant event has extended beyond the African-American community and 
has seen an increase in focus on respect for all the cultures that make 
up our great nation.
   In Ventura County, this annual celebration brings together the 
tradition from the earliest days of Juneteenth and the rich diversity 
of our community throughout the region. The community-wide involvement 
in this historic event is a true testament to the multiculturalism of 
our county. Juneteenth not only highlights the culture of the African-
American community, but it expresses the importance of recognizing the 
heritage of all the citizens that comprise Ventura County.
   Juneteenth embodies the spirit of community and offers the promise 
of a bright future by embracing the richness of the culture and 
heritage of a community as a whole, especially in communities like 
Ventura County where the festivities continue to grow and the overall 
goal of respect for diversity becomes instilled in all who take part in 
the excitement.
   It is with great enthusiasm that I join the Ventura County Chapter 
of the Black American Political Association of California in the 
historical celebration of their 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

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