June 19, 1865. The day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their emancipation. They were free.
In today’s world, however, African Americans and others, continue to hold mostly peaceful protests and demonstrations demanding equal justice for all. The Black Lives Matter movement has special significance on this day, 155 years after those slaves in Texas learned they were free.
Congressman Albio Sires issued the following statement on today’s Juneteenth anniversary:
“Today, we commemorate the official end of slavery in the United States, and the freeing of the last enslaved Americans 155 years ago. We must recognize that far too many in this country still face discrimination and systematic hardship in their daily lives. On the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, it is incumbent upon us to renew our quest of ensuring an equal and just society for all, and commit ourselves to working towards an America where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.”
African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth since the late 1800s.