[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING NEGRO ELECTION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SETH MOULTON

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2024

  Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of Negro Election 
Day, otherwise known as Black Picnic Holiday, which is celebrated on 
the third Saturday of July.
  Decades before the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, 
enslaved and free peoples participated in the colonies' first 
democratic voting system, holding elections of a king or governor to 
advocate for their community's needs.
  First recorded in 1741 in Salem, Massachusetts, the tradition grew to 
include Africans from across New England and eventually became known as 
the Black Picnic. Over the centuries, the event shifted to include 
track and field events, jazz dances, choir performances, and more. The 
honoring of Negro Election Day reflects the resilience of New 
Englanders of African descent. To enshrine its significance, the 
Massachusetts State Legislature passed S. 2703 on February 17, 2022, 
establishing the third Saturday in July as a state holiday.
  In the words of Massachusetts State Senator Joan B. Lovely from 
Salem, ``We must continue to commemorate the meaningful milestones 
African Americans have contributed to Massachusetts and our Nation 
today and in all the days going forward.'' It is with those words that 
I ask you to please join me in honoring the history and celebration of 
Negro Election Day.

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