Recognizing 155th Anniversary of 13th Amendment

Floor Speech

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Mrs. McBATH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from North Carolina, Representative Butterfield, for yielding.

Yesterday, we observed the anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which provided that ``neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . . . shall exist within the United States.''

It was one of the most dramatic expansions of civil rights in American history, and for the first time, our Constitution made mention of the institution of slavery.

155 years ago, the self-evident truth that all men are created equal had not been fully realized. But with every generation, with every chapter written in America's story, the people of this Nation have fought to secure the unalienable rights which were endowed by our Creator.

As we enter a new era, we must not forget that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, giants like John Lewis, Elijah Cummings, and C.T. Vivian who helped pave the way for millions of little boys and little girls who believed that they could do anything that they set their minds to, that they could become whomever they wanted to be.

155 years after slavery, we reflect on how far this Nation has truly come. There are many who lived a century ago who would not believe that America today would welcome the great-grandchildren of slaves to serve their communities and their country and our government.

We commemorate that long march toward justice and celebrate all who have played a role in making the lives of their children better than their own.

Today, and every day, we must continue the work of all those whose shoulders we now stand upon. We must continue to strive toward that more perfect Union, toward a future free from hatred, bigotry, and violence.

The work we do in this Chamber can advance the cause for freedom, justice, and peace. Each and every day, I pray that we continue to rise to meet that moment.

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