[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4058-H4059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
      CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUFFALO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
50th anniversary of the Buffalo Juneteenth Festival, one of the great 
cultural traditions in western New York and one of the largest 
Juneteenth celebrations in the United States of America.
  Since 1976, countless participants have marched in Buffalo to 
celebrate the day in American history when word finally reached 
Galveston, Texas, in 1865 that President Lincoln had signed the 
Emancipation Proclamation more than 2 years prior.
  For those who were forced to wait, every day carried a profound human 
cost, but alongside injustice, Juneteenth is a story of what formerly 
enslaved men and women built with their freedom. Despite extraordinary 
obstacles and oppression, these Americans fought to claim their place 
in our democracy. In the process, they expanded the promise of America 
itself.
  Generations of Black Americans confronted and overcame barriers that 
were designed to exclude them, including Jim Crow's literacy tests, 
poll taxes, and racial violence, refusing to surrender the belief that 
America could become more faithful to its founding ideals.
  The struggle for Black America did not end in 1865 with the passage 
of the 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, and 15th Amendment; with the 
civil rights movement; or with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 
1965. It continues right now, as we bear witness to the concerted, 
intentional campaign to take our Nation backward.
  The dismantling of the Voting Rights Act is allowing States across 
the South to enact racist gerrymanders and dilute Black political 
power.
  Moments like these remind us of the significance of Juneteenth and 
that our democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires constant 
vigilance.
  That is why Buffalo's Juneteenth Festival is so important. For 50 
years, this gathering has continued the unfinished work of building a 
more just and inclusive nation.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to President Carrone Evon Crump, the

[[Page H4059]]

festival committee, the volunteers, and the community leaders, whose 
dedication has sustained this extraordinary Buffalo institution for 50 
years.
  As we commemorate this golden anniversary, may we all remember 
Juneteenth's call to protect freedom.


   celebrating 20th anniversary of westminster economic development 
                               initiative

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Immigrant 
Heritage Month, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 
Westminster Economic Development Initiative, better known across 
Buffalo and western New York as WEDI.
  For two decades, this extraordinary organization has been a driving 
force for opportunity and empowerment in the City of Good Neighbors. 
Through its work in education and economic development, WEDI has helped 
thousands of western New Yorkers of all ZIP Codes, backgrounds, and 
languages build stronger futures.
  From literacy programs that prepare young people for success in 
school to small business initiatives, like the West Side Bazaar, that 
provide entrepreneurs with mentorship and access to capital, WEDI opens 
doors and expands opportunities across our community.
  What makes WEDI so special is that it recognizes the talent and 
potential already present in our communities and provides people with 
the tools they need to thrive.
  In neighborhoods too often overlooked, WEDI has created pathways to 
economic mobility, empowered working families, and helped build a more 
inclusive and equitable Buffalo.
  Today, we celebrate 20 years of impact, leadership, and service. I 
thank everyone at WEDI for their unwavering commitment to western New 
York and for helping to ensure that the American Dream remains within 
reach for every member of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate WEDI on this anniversary. Onward to even 
more.

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