Congressman Xavier Becerra Commemorates Juneteenth

Statement

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement to recognize today as Juneteenth and commemorate the end of slavery in the United States:

"On Juneteenth, we commemorate the beginning of a new era in our nation's history--when enslaved people all across America learned of their freedom. When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, he envisioned a country where all people who are created equal are treated as equals. President Lincoln's vision made a leap of progress when the Civil War ended in May of 1865. Two months later on June 19th, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas announcing the end of the Civil War and freedom for enslaved people.

"Today, we must acknowledge that the fight for equality is not over. Too many Americans still face discrimination--in the workplace and at the voting booth. Congress must carry on the fight for equality for all."

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