Congresswoman Schakowsky's Juneteenth Statement

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement recognizing Juneteenth, the anniversary of the day slavery fully ended in the United States.

"On this Juneteenth we celebrate the end of slavery in America and recognize the need to continue the fight for racial equality. It is also a time we honor those who fought for liberty and equality, and those who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom and justice, and celebrate the significant contributions made by the black community to our nation's history, economy, and culture.

"We must continue to address the lasting legacy of slavery. I am proud that today the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the subject of slave reparations for the first time in a decade, on legislation that I am a co-sponsor of, that would create a study on the matter. It is well past time that our government formally apologizes for the gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity it inflicted upon African slaves and their descendants. We must keep fighting to address racial injustices across the spectrum: in our economy, democratic institutions, and society as a whole. I will not stop fighting until every American enjoys the full set of rights and privileges to which they are entitled."