Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Juneteenth, which on Sunday, will be celebrated for a second year as a Federal holiday. Now, on June 19, 1865, news of the end of slavery finally reached Galveston, Texas, more than 2 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Now, my great-grandmother and many of my ancestors were born during slavery in Galveston, Texas. My grandfather was born in 1867 in Galveston, Texas. So this day has always symbolized a time for me personally, as well as for many African Americans; a time for reflection, as well as a recommitment to justice. Each year, Juneteenth compels us to confront the darkest moments in our Nation's history, a chapter that was born in the Middle Passage, continued through slavery, and manifests itself today through systemic racism. We must acknowledge the legacy of slavery and systemic racism that continues today in education and healthcare and a broken criminal justice system. I could go on and on. It is also at the heart of the crises facing our Nation today, including economic injustice and hate-fueled violence. As we recognize this important day in history, it is also crucial that we pass Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's H.R. 40 legislation to develop a commission on reparations and recommit to an agenda for Black America that realizes true equity and justice. ____________________”