[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 22, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H2989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE

  (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of our newest 
Federal holiday. Juneteenth marks the critical point in our Nation's 
history when the final enslaved Americans were freed from the evil 
bondage of slavery 156 years ago.
  Honestly, as a student growing up in Rhode Island, surrounded by 
mostly White classmates, I was never taught about Juneteenth. As much 
as I hate to admit it, Juneteenth was simply not a part of my 
education.
  Some of my colleagues have suggested that we should ignore our 
history, as inconvenient or uncomfortable as it may be. Well, that is 
wrong. As a nation, we must own up to our mistakes and celebrate our 
ability to overcome them, not attempt to sweep them under the rug.
  Juneteenth is every bit a part of American history. It is a time to 
honor those who fought so hard to end slavery and to reflect on the 
work that remains before true racial justice is achieved.
  As we celebrate last week's vote, let us recommit ourselves to 
rooting out the systemic racism that still plagues our Nation.

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