Rangel Honors 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth

Statement

Congressman Charles B. Rangel who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement on the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth, the anniversary of the last corners of our nation finding out that the slaves had been freed:

"Juneteenth is a period of reflection and appreciation. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, the day when Major General Gordon Granger finally arrived in Galveston, Texas, his last stop in delivering the news of President Abraham Lincoln's historic Emancipation Proclamation which was declared two years prior.

Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and celebration of the resilient human spirit. Acknowledging our past is an important step to moving us forward to improve the lives of our future generations. I am proud to be a part of a culture that, through its perseverance, enabled us to rise to we are today.

Though our Nation has come a long way since Juneteenth of 1865, the fact remains that we still have a way to go. Until our society is free from all racism, discrimination, and violence, we must strive for equal rights for everyone. As we celebrate freedom today, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of liberty and justice for all."

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