Juneteenth

“Juneteenth stands as a notable chapter in American history, and it is imperative that we honor our past to achieve justice and liberty for the future.”

“As we officially make Juneteenth a federal holiday, we continue our fight for true liberation.”

“It is notorious that the news of the Emancipation Proclamation was kept from the people of Texas and not celebrated until 'Juneteenth'. There may be those in Texas now who believe they can insulate their state—a state that had its own courageous revolution—from the news of evolution and from the writing in 1786 of a Constitution that refuses to mention religion except when demarcating and limiting its role in the public square. But we promise them today that they will join their fore-runners in the flat-earth community, and in the mad clerical clique of those who believed that the sun revolved around the earth. Yes, they will be in schoolbooks—as a joke on the epic scale of William Jennings Bryan. We shall be fair, and take care to ensure that their tale is told.”

“Juneteenth represents a time to embrace freedom and commemorate the tireless efforts of those who advocated for equality.”

“Representative Al Edwards' pivotal role in establishing Juneteenth as a State holiday in Texas illustrates the political progress and celebration of African American heritage across the nation.”

“The acknowledgement and celebration of Juneteenth as an American and possibly international holiday is something that I would put in the life goals column for me.”

“Juneteenth has always been a symbol of freedom deferred.”