There is Still Work to Be Done

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of our newest Federal holiday. Juneteenth marks the critical point in our Nation's history when the final enslaved Americans were freed from the evil bondage of slavery 156 years ago.

Honestly, as a student growing up in Rhode Island, surrounded by mostly White classmates, I was never taught about Juneteenth. As much as I hate to admit it, Juneteenth was simply not a part of my education.

Some of my colleagues have suggested that we should ignore our history, as inconvenient or uncomfortable as it may be. Well, that is wrong. As a nation, we must own up to our mistakes and celebrate our ability to overcome them, not attempt to sweep them under the rug.

Juneteenth is every bit a part of American history. It is a time to honor those who fought so hard to end slavery and to reflect on the work that remains before true racial justice is achieved.

As we celebrate last week's vote, let us recommit ourselves to rooting out the systemic racism that still plagues our Nation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source