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Congressman Cohen Commemorates 151st Anniversary of Juneteenth

June 19, 2016

[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement commemorating the 151st anniversary of Juneteenth and recognizing the 23rd Annual Celebration of the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival, formerly known as the Memphis Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival:

“Each year, Juneteenth is observed on June 19th and is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am proud to have authored and passed the first Congressional apology for slavery and Jim Crow when I arrived in Washington. While we have made strides, there are still lingering effects of slavery and Jim Crow in our society and we must take the actions necessary to rectify the remaining consequences of America’s original sin and achieve equality for all people.

This year marks the 23rd annual Juneteenth Urban Music Festival in Memphis. Given Memphis’s rich history in African American culture and contributions, with places like Royal Studios, Stax Records, the National Civil Rights Museum and figures such as Dr. Vasco and Maxine Smith, Velma Louis Jones, Reverend Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, Dr. Lawrence Smith, Dr. Linkwood Williams, A.W. Willis, Russell Sugarmon, B.B. King, Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Memphis Slim, Furry Lewis, Ida B. Wells, Isaac Hayes and countless others, it is fitting that the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival has become one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country.

Juneteenth is a time to reflect upon the end of slavery in America and to recognize the many influences of African American citizens. It is in this spirit that I encourage Memphians to join me in observing our nation’s 151st anniversary of Juneteenth and the 23rd celebration in Memphis.”