[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 117 (Thursday, June 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING AND CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH

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                           HON. HARLEY ROUDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2020

  Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read to 
the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas.
  Today, we reflect and honor the horror and hardship of those enslaved 
in the United States. In communities across America, we celebrate the 
contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who paved the way for 
future generations.
  We know that the Emancipation Proclamation did not ensure equality 
for African Americans in our country, but the freedom from slavery was 
instead a first step in an ongoing and righteous battle for justice in 
the United States. Let us reflect today on how far we have come, and 
recognize how far we still have to go in our fight for true equality. 
Let us use this time to acknowledge the work that needs to be done to 
ensure a more equitable tomorrow.
  Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our nation's fraught history and 
acknowledge that we can, and will, do better.
  I ask that all Members join me in celebrating Juneteenth.

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