[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 96 (Thursday, June 19, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H5507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JUNETEENTH

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Juneteenth.
  Each June 19th, we celebrate Juneteenth to commemorate the 
announcement of the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is 
a celebration of African American freedom, but it is also an 
opportunity to reflect on opportunities for self-improvement and set 
goals for the future.
  This past weekend, I was honored to take part in the 39th annual 
Juneteenth Festival in Buffalo. Started in 1976, this festival has 
grown over the years to become one of the largest of such celebrations 
in the world and has established its position as an important tradition 
within the Buffalo community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Juneteenth today to celebrate 
our Nation's rich African American history and express my thanks to 
those who organize these important community celebrations of culture 
and heritage.

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