Pelosi Statement in Recognition of Juneteenth
Friday, June 19, 2009
Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today in recognition of Juneteenth:
“On June 19, 1865, the last slaves of African descent were freed when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas - shortly after the end of the Civil War - to enforce President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order issued two year prior on January 1, 1863.
“Since that day more than two centuries ago, many African Americans around our nation recognize June 19th as an historic turning point in our nation's history. Over the last few decades, this celebration of freedom has spread to South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
“Today, as we reflect on the historic steps our country has taken to promote equality, let us recommit ourselves to ending modern-day slavery, discrimination, and exploitation so that all citizens of the world can live equally - with respect and dignity.�