[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 103 (Thursday, June 16, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5637-H5638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH

  (Ms. LEE of California asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge 
Juneteenth, which on Sunday, will be celebrated for a second year as a 
Federal holiday.
  Now, on June 19, 1865, news of the end of slavery finally reached 
Galveston, Texas, more than 2 years after the

[[Page H5638]]

signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
  Now, my great-grandmother and many of my ancestors were born during 
slavery in Galveston, Texas. My grandfather was born in 1867 in 
Galveston, Texas. So this day has always symbolized a time for me 
personally, as well as for many African Americans; a time for 
reflection, as well as a recommitment to justice.
  Each year, Juneteenth compels us to confront the darkest moments in 
our Nation's history, a chapter that was born in the Middle Passage, 
continued through slavery, and manifests itself today through systemic 
racism.
  We must acknowledge the legacy of slavery and systemic racism that 
continues today in education and healthcare and a broken criminal 
justice system. I could go on and on.

  It is also at the heart of the crises facing our Nation today, 
including economic injustice and hate-fueled violence.
  As we recognize this important day in history, it is also crucial 
that we pass Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's H.R. 40 legislation to 
develop a commission on reparations and recommit to an agenda for Black 
America that realizes true equity and justice.

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