Cohen Commemorates Juneteenth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today issued the following statement recognizing Juneteenth, the oldest, nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, which is observed on June 19. And attached is a Statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 147th Anniversary of Juneteenth and the 19th Annual Celebration of the Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival in Memphis, Tennessee submitted by Congressman Cohen.

“More than 140 years ago Major General Gordon Granger and Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state still under Confederate authority and enforce the emancipation of its slaves,” said Congressman Cohen. “That day, General Granger stood on a balcony in the town square and read the following statement: ‘In accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.’

“Although President Lincoln had issued The Emancipation Proclamation nearly three years earlier, the news of freedom did not reach African-Americans deep in Confederate territories until much later. After General Granger’s pronouncement on June 19, 1865, newly freed slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations, and the Juneteenth holiday was born. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year and it has since spread out to cities and states across the country as a de facto National Freedom Day.

“This year has had a profound impact on America’s long struggle to fulfill the promise of civil rights and equality. I’m proud to recognize this important day in our national history with the people of the 9th District, and we honor all those who have come before us who have sacrificed and bled and marched for that promise.”