Garden State Times

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today issued the following statement commemorating Juneteenth:

“On June 19 we observe Juneteenth, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. As I reflect on the story of Juneteenth, I feel proud of my vote two years ago to establish it as a federal holiday — a day when all Americans from all walks of life can come together and recommit to our founding principles of freedom, justice, and equality.

“Juneteenth is about learning from our past — recognizing how today’s systemic inequities are still undergirded by the echoes of slavery, segregation, and racism. It is a time to reflect, on both the horrific experiences of enslaved African Americans, as well as the struggles of abolitionists and civil rights activists who fought to expand the promise of America. Most of all, it is a day for us to redouble our efforts to eradicate systemic racism and bigotry, especially at a time when white supremacists and other dark forces work to roll back the progress we have made as a nation.

“I for one will always stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Black community. If we are to build a more perfect, inclusive, and beloved Union, we must never waver as we work to realize the full promise of our nation for all Americans.”

Original source can be found here.