Durbin, Levin Announce Passage of Resolution to Recognize Juneteenth Independence Day

Press Release

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Carl Levin (D-MI) today announced the passage of legislation recognizing the significance of June 19, 1865, commonly known as "Juneteenth Independence Day". The day commemorates the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended. African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19 as the anniversary of their emancipation. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Barack Obama (D-IL) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) in the House.

"Two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and months after the end of the Civil War, Union soldiers finally delivered the news of freedom," said Durbin. "While news can travel quickly across the globe in today's world, it is important to continue the tradition of marking Juneteenth Independence Day. Cultures across the globe look to this historical event as a source of inspiration."

"Juneteenth Day marks the time when slavery finally came to an end in the United States over 140 years ago," said Levin. "This anniversary of emancipation recognizes one of the most tragic periods of our nation's history. While the suffering, degradation and brutality of slavery cannot be repaired, the memory can serve to ensure that no such inhumanity is ever perpetrated again on American soil."

"We honor Juneteenth Independence Day as a way to both remember the cruelty of slavery and celebrate freedom," said Reid. "We solemnly mark the anniversary of the Southwest's emancipation as a significant milestone in the abolition of slavery and we continue our work to ensure all Americans enjoy the liberties our nation promises."

"Juneteenth Independence Day was the day our nation finally reclaimed its dignity," said Senator Obama. "More than two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery, June 19th represents the sacrifices of generations past who showed us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. While this resolution celebrates an incredible triumph over injustice, it also reminds us how far we must continue to go to ensure equality and fairness for all Americans."

"Juneteenth Independence Day is as important for what it symbolizes today as for what it meant in 1865," said Stabenow. "Even though the Emancipation Proclamation had been made and the Civil War had ended, there were many people who had still not experienced the freedom they were entitled to. We must keep the lesson of Juneteenth close to our hearts and realize that ensuring freedom isn't just about passing laws, it's about providing true equality for all in our communities, our states and our nation."

"Juneteenth is the people's answer to the obscuring and distortion of much of the history and experience of African Americans," said Davis. "It is an enduring statement that the truth cannot be suppressed forever, and that the struggle for justice and equality remains alive and well."

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