[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING JUNETEENTH

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                         HON. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2017

  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 1865, the Emancipation 
Proclamation was read by U.S. Army Major Gordon Granger in Galveston, 
Texas to slaves who were unaware of the original issuance and reading 
by President Abraham Lincoln nearly two and a half years prior.
  This day, referred to as Juneteenth, is historic and significant in 
American history and marks the date of freedom for the millions of 
slaves who were liberated.
  This nation was built on the backs of African-Americans. And this 
Capitol and our White House, were literally built by the hands of 
slaves. It was only 152 years ago that Blacks in America were 
considered property and three-fifths a human. Juneteenth serves as a 
reminder of the atrocities faced by the African-American community.
  In 2017, African-Americans are still discriminated against on an 
institutional basis. Black women in New York State take home $0.66 on 
the dollar compared to white men. And unarmed black people are killed 
by police at five times the rate of unarmed whites.
  Despite being enslaved for 245 years and then freed to struggle, 
African-Americans have accomplished so much. It is our duty to 
acknowledge the ugliness of this nation's history and remain steadfast 
in our efforts to ensure equity and equality for all individuals. While 
our country has made great strides in race and freedom, there is still 
much work that remains to be done.

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