Post by bot on Jun 19, 2015 21:57:01 GMT -5
Hoyer Statement on the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth
HOYER: JUNETEENTH serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to recognize and protect the equal rights and equal dignity OF EVERY PERSON
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement recognizing today as the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, the oldest, nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States:
“On this day, 150 years ago, former slaves in Texas rejoiced at their freedom, the last in America to hear the news, and ever since that day Juneteenth has marked the anniversary of emancipation for the millions whose ancestors suffered the unthinkable horrors of slavery. I join in celebrating this day, which serves as a reminder to all of us of our shared responsibility to recognize and protect the equal rights and equal dignity of every person.
“Juneteenth represents not only a day of liberation but a moment when our nation began to fulfill the promise of its founding principles, which hold that every person is created equal and has the right to pursue opportunity to the fullest degree. That process began with the end of slavery, but it would take another century of hardship before the Civil Rights Movement removed the last formal barriers to equal participation in our democracy and an equal chance for African Americans to participate in our economy and society. It’s clear, however, that our work is from over, as our nation confronts on this Juneteenth the painful reality that deadly hatred still lurks in our midst and that not every life is treated with the equal dignity it deserves.
“We must keep working together as one nation to heal old wounds and fight for justice, equality, and equal opportunity wherever they are absent. As we celebrate together, let us recommit ourselves to this task – on Juneteenth and every day of the year.”