[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E659-E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING 4TH ANNUAL GREATER PRINCE WILLIAM JUNETEENTH PARADE AND THE 
                              DIVINE NINE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2024

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 4th Annual 
Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade in commemoration of the 159th 
Juneteenth.
  June 19, 2024, marks the 159th commemoration of Juneteenth, a 
celebration of the liberation of enslaved African Americans. On June 
19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led troops to Galveston, Texas 
to issue General Order No. 3, which made clear that slavery had been 
abolished in 1863, two and a half years prior, with the Emancipation 
Proclamation.
  This significant moment in American history is worthy of recognition, 
and the annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade provides that 
opportunity to the community. This year's parade seeks to celebrate the 
National Pan-Hellenic Council, known as the Divine Nine, and recognize 
their continued dedication to supporting Black communities worldwide. 
For more than 100 years, this group of nine historically Black Greek-
letter organizations has uplifted Black communities through civic 
action, community service, and kinship. It is my privilege to join the 
greater Prince William County community in recognizing the dedicated 
work of the Divine Nine.
  The importance of this historic day deserves recognition and 
celebration. This annual parade, which does just that, would not have 
been possible without the dedicated work of the Greater Prince William 
Juneteenth Parade Committee--composed of Ms. Mellionese Bennett, Ms. 
Ebony Lofton, and Ms. Cydny A. Neville. I thank them for their 
commitment to bringing this celebration to life.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 159th 
anniversary of Juneteenth and the 4th Annual Greater Prince William 
Juneteenth Parade. Thank you to the Divine Nine for their dedication 
and to the parade committee for highlighting the celebration of such a 
significant historical event.

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