Schakowsky Commemorates Juneteenth National Independence Day

EVANSTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), released the following statement in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day:

“On Juneteenth, we celebrate the end of slavery in America and recognize the need to continue the fight for racial equality. It was 160 years ago today that the last group of enslaved Black people in the United States learned they were free. We honor those who fought for freedom, liberty and justice, and those who lost their lives in the pursuit. 

“Despite the great progress we have made, there is still a lot more work to be done to address the legacy of slavery. We continue to see inequities in our health, education, and justice systems. Cruel and excessive police violence, unfair prison sentencing, voter suppression, health care deserts, and student achievement gaps are all too common. We must continue to work together to address these problems and create a more just and equitable society for all.

“I am proud to have been able to vote to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, and to see President Joe Biden sign it into law. Congress was finally able to get this done, thanks in large part to my former colleague, the late great Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. It was Sheila’s diligent efforts that helped push this legislation over the finish line. Her legacy will no doubt live on for generations to come.

“Juneteenth is a day for us all to talk about our past and look towards our future. I will not stop fighting until every American enjoys the full set of rights and privileges to which they are entitled."

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