DNC Celebrates Juneteenth

June 19, 2007 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins issued the following statement commemorating Juneteenth, the oldest emancipation celebration held throughout the country.

“Officially, Juneteenth commemorates the day when slaves in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 were told of their freedom nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Symbolically, Juneteenth represents an African American freedom celebration that embodies the struggle for equality and justice. Over the last 140 years the accomplishments of African Americans have worked to erase the stain of slavery from America’s great history.

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“While Juneteenth brought the news of the end of slavery, it did not bring an end to the struggle for civil rights. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the social justice and civil rights fights that still exist. Democrats remain committed to fighting the social ills of poverty, hunger, and HIV/AIDS.

“The Democratic Party also celebrates Juneteenth with a renewed commitment to fight to protect the rights of all Americans to vote. Under the Bush Administration and their highly politicized Justice Department we have seen an unprecedented attack on the right to vote and an erosion of our democracy. Systematically, Republicans have sought to use US Attorneys to undermine the rights of eligible voters for their own partisan gain. It is clear that we still have a long way to go to ensuring that all Americans can cast their vote without fear of intimidation and partisan challenges.

“As we join Americans around the country in celebrating Juneteenth, Democrats rededicate ourselves to ensuring equal rights under the law for all Americans.”

Source: DNC