Hagan Commemorates "Juneteenth Independence Day"

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kay Hagan issued the following statement in recognition of the anniversary of "Juneteenth Independence Day," the day the final African-American slaves were freed, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

"On Juneteenth, we pause to commemorate the emancipation of the last slaves in Galveston, Texas and reflect on the suffering and unjust treatment endured by these men and women," said Senator Hagan. "This day marks the anniversary of the end of a dark chapter in our nation's history and honors enslaved Americans and the struggle for tolerance, equality, and human rights. It is also a day to reflect on our nation's progress and a continued reminder to fight injustice wherever it appears."

Hagan is also an original co-sponsor of a bipartisan resolution, which passed the Senate last week, designating June 19, 2014 as "Juneteenth Independence Day," recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth and what it has meant to generations of African Americans for nearly 150 years.

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