CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CELEBRATES "JUNETEENTH"
Jackson Lee Says She Is “Proud And Honored To Recognize This Joyous Celebration Of Freedom.”
HOUSTON,
Jun 19, 2012 -
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement in celebration of Juneteenth, recognizing the freedom of enslaved African American in our nation:
“Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. I am proud and honored to recognize this joyous celebration of freedom.
“On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and the nation's slaves were now free. Two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, the enslavement of black Americans in Texas ended.
“The celebration of June 19th was coined “Juneteenth” and it grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring one another, for praying and for gathering with family members. This still holds true today because African Americans continue to face many challenges that call for prayer and gathering together with one’s family and community.
“The history of Juneteenth celebrations has its ups and downs. While it took a long time for this nation to recognize this celebration, I am glad that Texas has taken the lead in observing the historical importance of the freedom of our nations African American slaves.”
