DETROIT, MI – Ahead of weekend commemorations, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released a video recognizing June 19th as the 157th anniversary of Juneteenth National Independence Day. Juneteenth commemorates the day the last remaining African American slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation.
“Juneteenth National Independence Day is a time to commemorate the closing of the darkest chapter in our nation’s history and reflect on the progress we have made since. I was proud to support making Juneteenth a federal holiday, however, the battle for equality is far from finished,” said Senator Peters. “Together, we can create a more perfect union. So as we commemorate this holiday, let’s renew our commitment to the pursuit of justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.”
To watch video of Peters’ remarks, click here.
Below is the text of Senator Peters’ remarks:
“On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the last enslaved African Americans that they were free – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
“Today, we recognize this symbolic movement as Juneteenth National Independence Day – a time to commemorate the closing of one of the darkest chapter in our nation’s history and reflect on the progress that we have made since.
“I was proud to support making Juneteenth a federal holiday, however, the battle for equality is far from finished.
“Slavery left a painful wound on the soul of our nation, and there is still a great deal of work to be done to address the systemic inequalities and racial disparities that unfortunately persist in our society.
“Together, we can create a better society that is more fair and more equitable – and we must take action that starts with protecting our democracy and the very bedrock of our democracy: the right to vote. We must reform our criminal justice system and build on efforts to create more good-paying jobs and lower costs for families, expand access to quality education, as well as affordable health care and housing, and ensure there is clean air and safe drinking water in every community.
“Together, we can create a more perfect union. So as we commemorate this holiday, let’s renew our commitment to the pursuit of justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.”
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