Hastings Celebrates the 144th Anniversary of Juneteenth

Statement

Hastings Celebrates the 144th Anniversary of Juneteenth

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement commemorating the importance of Juneteenth in American history:

"On June 19, 1865, two thousand Union troops under General Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, Texas, taking control of the state. Under General Granger's command, Texas was returned back to the Union which enforced President Lincoln's signage of the Emancipation Proclamation. It had been almost three years since the declaration was authorized freeing the slaves living in bondage across the country, when the message finally arrived to men and women in Texas. As such, June 19th became known as Juneteenth and remains an important day in our nation's history.

"This year, we add to this celebration of freedom the formal apology from the Unites States Congress for slavery and the years of Jim Crow law that plagued our nation. On June 18, 2009, the U.S. Senate passed their version of the U.S. House of Representatives resolution adopted just last year expressing regret for those dark years of our history. This apology is an important symbol of growth and healing, however it must be followed with substantive actions to address enduring disparities as well as intolerance."

"While we celebrate our great accomplishments in the fight for equal rights, we also must look ahead and continue the work of those who have gone before us. We only need to look at the failing school systems, impoverished living environments, and high unemployment rates disproportionately impacting people of color to realize that our work is not yet done."

"As we celebrate Juneteenth, I urge people everywhere to join me in reflecting on how our country has evolved into a nation that understands the importance of protecting the rights, liberties and privileges of all people. I encourage you to learn about these golden moments in our history, talk to your children and colleagues about the strides we have made, and the work we still need to do. We are only able to move forward with open and sincere conversation about how we can address areas of disparities in our local community, state, and country as a whole. It is imperative that we continue our unique American tradition of fighting for equality and justice in all realms of our lives."

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