Recognizing 4th Annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade and the Divine Nine

Floor Speech

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Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 4th Annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade in commemoration of the 159th Juneteenth.

June 19, 2024, marks the 159th commemoration of Juneteenth, a celebration of the liberation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led troops to Galveston, Texas to issue General Order No. 3, which made clear that slavery had been abolished in 1863, two and a half years prior, with the Emancipation Proclamation.

This significant moment in American history is worthy of recognition, and the annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade provides that opportunity to the community. This year's parade seeks to celebrate the National Pan-Hellenic Council, known as the Divine Nine, and recognize their continued dedication to supporting Black communities worldwide. For more than 100 years, this group of nine historically Black Greek- letter organizations has uplifted Black communities through civic action, community service, and kinship. It is my privilege to join the greater Prince William County community in recognizing the dedicated work of the Divine Nine.

The importance of this historic day deserves recognition and celebration. This annual parade, which does just that, would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade Committee--composed of Ms. Mellionese Bennett, Ms. Ebony Lofton, and Ms. Cydny A. Neville. I thank them for their commitment to bringing this celebration to life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth and the 4th Annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade. Thank you to the Divine Nine for their dedication and to the parade committee for highlighting the celebration of such a significant historical event.

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