[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16128-16130]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1515
      RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 155) recognizing the 
historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing 
the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as a means for 
understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of 
the future.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 155

       Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier 
     areas of the United States, and in particular the 
     Southwestern States, for more than 2 years after President 
     Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, and 
     months after the conclusion of the Civil War;
       Whereas on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major 
     General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news 
     that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free;

[[Page 16129]]

       Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the 
     Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as Juneteenth 
     Independence Day, as the anniversary of their emancipation;
       Whereas African Americans from the Southwest continue the 
     tradition of Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and 
     encouragement for future generations;
       Whereas for more than 135 years, Juneteenth Independence 
     Day celebrations have been held to honor African American 
     freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for 
     all cultures;
       Whereas although Juneteenth Independence Day is beginning 
     to be recognized as a national, and even global, event, the 
     history behind the celebration should not be forgotten; and
       Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by 
     former slaves remains an example for all people of the United 
     States, regardless of background, religion, or race: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That--
       (1) Congress recognizes the historical significance of 
     Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation;
       (2) Congress supports the continued celebration of 
     Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the 
     people of the United States to learn more about the past and 
     to better understand the experiences that have shaped the 
     Nation;
       (3) the President is urged to issue a proclamation calling 
     on the people of the United States to observe Juneteenth 
     Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
     programs; and
       (4) it is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) history should be regarded as a means for understanding 
     the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the 
     future; and
       (B) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important 
     and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United 
     States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Sali) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. Davis of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 142nd anniversary of Juneteenth 
Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, MG Gordon Granger and Union 
soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news of the Emancipation 
Proclamation and the end of the Civil War. News of President Abraham 
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, did not reach 
the frontier areas of the United States, especially the Southwest, for 
almost 2\1/2\ years. General Granger's General Order No. 3 on June 19, 
1865, is recognized as the day that all slaves in the United States 
were finally freed.
  Juneteenth has become recognized as a State, regional, and national 
event that honors the freeing of slaves in the United States. As 
Americans, we must never forget how precious freedom is. Juneteenth is 
the day that all Americans of all races, creeds and ethnic backgrounds 
can celebrate freedom and the end of slavery in the United States. Its 
historical significance should be regarded as a means of understanding 
the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future.
  As the sponsor of H. Con. Res. 155, I encourage all of my colleagues 
to support this legislation and urge President Bush to issue a 
proclamation observing Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate 
ceremonies, activities and programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to imagine a time when national news 
took months and sometimes years to disseminate throughout the country. 
Today we get immediate news updates through various outlets. But it was 
over 2 years after President Lincoln gave the historical Emancipation 
Proclamation that the slaves of Galveston, Texas, learned that their 
long-deserved freedom had been won. It was on that date, June 19, 1865, 
when Union soldiers made their way southwest to spread the joyful news 
of their Civil War victory.
  Every year on June 19, commonly known as Juneteenth Independence Day, 
African Americans in the Southwest and around the Nation celebrate 
their emancipation, their culture and the historic significance of the 
civil rights struggles. It is critical that we educate our children not 
only of American history and the Civil War, but the tradition of 
Juneteenth Independence Day. By taking time to celebrate these 
anniversaries, we honor the richness, diversity and heritage of all 
races that form our great Nation.
  June 19th is a time to acknowledge a period of history that helped 
shape our Nation and continues to influence our society today. It is 
with great honor that I support the passage of House Concurrent 
Resolution 155.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from Idaho for his remarks and comments and for his support of this 
resolution. I also would just note that I attended a Juneteenth 
celebration in the neighborhood where I live on Saturday, and, of 
course, they had speeches, poems, readings and historical proclamations 
that people did.
  To make sure that all Members of the House and of the Senate have an 
opportunity to participate in an observance, Senator Barack Obama and I 
are sponsoring an observance on tomorrow in the Gold Room in the House 
Office Building, and certainly would welcome all to attend.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this concurrent resolution.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for 
H. Con. Res. 155, ``Recognizing the Historical Significance of 
Juneteenth Independence Day.''
  As someone who has spent more than a quarter of a century serving the 
people of Maryland's Fifth Congressional District in the House of 
Representatives, I have developed a profound appreciation for the hard 
work that goes into creating the laws of our land. However, it is not 
the passage of legislation or signing ceremonies with the President 
that I will remember most when my time here is done. Rather, it is 
seeing the way that our work positively impacts the lives of those we 
serve out in the real world.
  This is why Juneteenth Independence Day holds such special 
significance for me. Because Juneteenth isn't a celebration of the 
Emancipation Proclamation itself, it is a commemoration of the day that 
Abraham Lincoln's historic decree finally accomplished what it was 
designed to do--abolish slavery in the United States forever.
  When the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, it 
ended slavery in the Union states, but did nothing to outlaw the cruel 
and barbaric practice in the states loyal to the Confederacy. It wasn't 
until 2\1/2\ years later--when Major General Gordon Granger landed at 
Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War was over, the United 
States was whole once again, and that all slaves in every part of our 
nation were now free--that the spirit of abolition was finally 
fulfilled.
  That day was June 19, 1865--and today, we mark the 142nd anniversary 
of the moment that freedom, equality and the unabated pursuit of 
happiness were extended to all citizens of the United States, 
regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.
  It gives me great pride to join my colleagues in Congress--as well as 
Americans from all walks of life--in commemorating our country's oldest 
celebration of the abolishment of slavery, and in honoring all of the 
achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout our 
nation's history.
  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 155, 
legislation commemorating a monumental day in the history of liberty, 
Juneteenth Independence Day. Juneteenth marks the events of June 19, 
1865, when slaves in Galveston, TX, learned that they were at last free 
men and women. The slaves of Galveston were the last group of slaves to 
learn of the end of slavery. Thus, Juneteenth represents the end of 
slavery in America.
  I hope all Americans will take the time to commemorate Juneteenth. 
Friends of human liberty should celebrate the end of slavery in any 
country. The end of American slavery is particularly worthy of 
recognition since there are few more blatant violations of America's

[[Page 16130]]

founding principles, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, 
than slavery. I am particularly pleased to join the recognition of 
Juneteenth because I have the privilege of representing Galveston.
  I thank the gentleman from Illinois for introducing this resolution, 
which I am proud to cosponsor. I thank the House leadership for 
bringing this resolution to the floor, and I urge all of my colleagues 
to honor the end of slavery by voting for H. Con. Res. 155.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 155, which recognizes the historical significance of 
Juneteenth Independence Day, and expresses the sense of Congress that 
history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and 
more effectively facing the challenges of the future.
  June 19th also known as Juneteenth, is the oldest nationally 
celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. 
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th 
as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United 
States and beyond, yet it is still not a nationally recognized holiday.
  On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official Texas state holiday 
through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state 
legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as 
the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. 
Representative Edwards has since actively sought to spread the 
observance of Juneteenth all across America.
  Today, Juneteenth commemorates African-American freedom. This special 
day emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in 
some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics 
and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is 
a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. 
Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in 
America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all 
races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully 
acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to 
influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and 
experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting 
improvements in our society.
  The Civil Rights movement of the 50's and 60's yielded both positive 
and negative results for the Juneteenth celebrations. While it pulled 
many of the African American youth away and into the struggle for 
racial equality, many linked these struggles to the historical 
struggles of their ancestors. This was evidenced by student 
demonstrators involved in the Atlanta civil rights campaign in the 
early 1960's, who wore Juneteenth freedom buttons.
  Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence through 
the Poor People's March to Washington, DC, Rev. Ralph Abernathy's call 
for people of all races, creeds, economic levels and professions to 
come to Washington to show support for the poor. Many of these 
attendees returned home and initiated Juneteenth celebrations in areas 
previously absent of such activity. In fact, two of the largest 
Juneteenth celebrations founded after this march are now held in 
Milwaukee and Minneapolis.
  Throughout the 80's and 90's Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a 
growing and healthy interest from communities and organizations 
throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry 
Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered 
activities. In recent years, a number of National Juneteenth 
Organizations have risen to take their place alongside older 
organizations--all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge 
and appreciation of African American history and culture.
  Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom while 
encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes 
on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in 
Texas are not forgotten. The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the 
number of cities and states come on board and form local committees and 
organizations to coordinate the activities.
  Now in 2007, I push forward with the hope that my colleagues will 
remember with compassion the African American citizens who helped build 
this country, but were still held in illegal bondage due to the hatred, 
bigotry and cruelty of others. I ask that my colleagues help support 
this resolution and its efforts in making Juneteenth a nationally 
recognized holiday.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
passage of House Concurrent Resolution 155. This resolution recognizes 
Juneteenth's significance in crafting a rich African American legacy. 
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom or Emancipation Day, is an informal 
observance in fourteen states in the United States. It marked the 
beginning of a new phase in African-American history, when emancipated 
slaves along with their former owners began, slowly and haltingly, to 
travel the long road to equality and integration.
  Celebrated on June 19th, Juneteenth is the name given to emancipation 
day by African Americans in Texas. On that day in 1865, Union Major 
General Gordon Granger read General Order #3, officially proclaiming 
freedom for slaves in that state. Granger's ride through Galveston 
culminated a two-and a half-year trek through America's deep south to 
liberate the enslaved.
  Juneteenth is an expression and extension of American freedom, and 
like the Fourth of July, is a time for all Americans to celebrate our 
independence, human rights, civil rights and freedom. It is an occasion 
where time, history and culture conspire to celebrate such a symbolic 
event.
  The celebration of June 19th as emancipation day spread from Texas to 
the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It has 
also appeared in Alabama, Florida, and California as African American 
Texans migrated to those regions. Juneteenth's commemoration did not 
only extend its geographic reach but it also embraced participants from 
all political and civic segments of the black community.
  Unfortunately, my home state does not officially recognize Juneteenth 
but has an unofficial commemoration on May 20th in the capital, 
Tallahassee. Even as we acknowledge the evils of slavery and the 
ravages it wrought upon our society while paying tribute to those who 
suffered with no recompense, Juneteenth challenges us to strengthen our 
bonds of unity and to offer support to one another.
  Even more importantly, Juneteenth does not polarize black and white 
Americans. Rather, it has become an annual cultural observance 
primarily devoted to civic affairs because it encourages us to be 
sensitive to others' conditions and experiences, so that we can make 
significant and lasting improvements in our society. Like the African 
Sankofa, we must acknowledge and honor our past. But we must always 
fervently forge to solidify a hopeful future.
  Regrettably, the African American community continues to confront 
many challenges in mitigating and eventually eliminating institutional 
racism. Emancipation did not bring equality. We still live in a society 
plagued by prejudices and stereotypes. I find it unfathomable that such 
a momentous occasion is seldom acknowledged, much less celebrated. We 
must not let our past dictate our present. After all, we owe it to the 
thousands of lives that were mercilessly destroyed by an elitist 
society designed to subject and suppress them. Let us take the 
initiative to finally tend to a gashing wound that has crippled the 
African American community. Let us honor our ancestors and build a 
future noteworthy of their legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, Juneteenth is a significant event that addresses the 
paradoxical race relations in our nation! It recognizes the impediments 
faced by the black community yet continues to inspire us to strive for 
an egalitarian society. We should set precedence on addressing past 
atrocities and present disparities so that we can truly embody 
democracy. I am honored to support this resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 155.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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