Schakowsky Statement on Juneteenth National Independence Day

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

"Today, on Juneteenth National Independence Day, we celebrate freedom. It was on this day, 159 years ago, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with word of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. At long last, the remaining slaves were freed.

"The United States was built on the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but for Black Americans, this fundamental right was denied for far too long. On Juneteenth, we mark a crucial transition in our nation’s history. I am proud to have been able to vote to make this important day a federal holiday, and to see President Joe Biden sign it into law in 2021. I want to especially thank my esteemed colleague, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, for her tireless work to make this day a reality.

"Despite the great progress we have made, Black Americans remain bound by the intergenerational trauma of slavery, systemic racism, and right-wing extremist attacks. The inequities continue to play out 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 inequities and create a more just society for all.

"Black history is American history, and it should not be ignored, morphed, nor hidden. Juneteenth is a day for us all to come together to talk about our past and look towards our future. We cannot allow those who peddle fear and prejudice to take our country backwards. I will continue to use my platform to fight for a more equitable nation."

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