[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               JUNETEENTH

  Mr. PRYOR. Madam President, I rise today to bring attention to the 
celebration of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration 
commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States. This day 
celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development 
and respect for all cultures.
  Throughout our history, African Americans have struggled to achieve 
equality and freedom. They have endured a legacy of slavery and 
segregation. Through their belief in the American dream, they fought 
for equal rights and taught the Nation to look past outward appearances 
and judge a person by their character. Their undying quest to achieve 
freedom and equality is why I am here today: To honor the day where 
slaves in some southern States learned of their emancipation.
  On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger went to Texas to 
proclaim emancipation to Texas slaves. This was the first time that 
slaves in Texas and other surrounding States found out about their 
emancipation. He stated, ``The people of Texas are informed that in 
accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, 
all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and 
rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the 
connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between 
employer and free laborer.''
  Following emancipation, ex-slaves entered freedom under the most 
difficult conditions, penniless and homeless with only the clothes on 
their back. They began to migrate to the north and to southern States 
like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma in search of better lives and a 
better future for their families. The descendants of these former 
slaves passed down a tradition of celebrating the emancipation 
announcement at the end of June because of it's significance for 
African Americans. The term ``Juneteenth'' reflects the inability of 
history to identify the exact date all slaves became free in this 
country. However, the importance of the event is memorialized in this 
celebration and is often observed as a time to remember the past and 
look to the future.
  The first Juneteenth celebrations were political rallies used to 
teach freedmen about voting. Cakewalks, baseball games, contests and 
parades would come to be identified as traditional parts of the 
celebration as well. However, from the very beginning food, family and 
friends played central roles in these remembrances.
  Many African Americans will continue this celebration through various 
activities in their local communities. I was honored to join Arkansans 
in celebrating Juneteenth in Little Rock this past weekend, and I 
challenge all Americans to join me in celebrating the rich history and 
countless contributions African Americans have made in our country, to 
remember the struggles for dignity and racial equality in America and 
to commit to fighting for equality in our schools, workplaces and in 
our communities.

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