Texas senator proposes national Juneteenth holiday to celebrate the end of slavery

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:00:00 -0500

The Juneteenth holiday marks the day slavery came to an end in the United States: June 19, 1865. Though 41 states recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has introduced legislation to make it a national day of observance.

Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 23:39:25 -0500

As in previous years, President Obama did not issue a Presidential Proclamation establishing Juneteenth as a national day of observance, but just another impersonal annual Juneteenth statement. Juneteenth has never been celebrated at the White House and President Obama has yet to speak to the public about the significance of Juneteenth Independence Day in America.

The White House and the U.S. Capitol were built by Americans of African descent during the tyranny of enslavement. President Obama should host a White House Juneteenth reception to honor their sacrifice.

However, thanks for writing and reporting on Juneteenth. Most importantly, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) has introduced legislation to make Juneteenth Independence Day a National Day of Observance, like Flag Day and Patriot Day.

We urge President Obama to do the right thing and join the U.S. Congress to establish Juneteenth Independence Day as a National Day of Observance in America.

Together we will see Juneteenth become a national holiday in America!

"DOC"
Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.
Founder & Chairman
National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign
National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF)
National Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC)
National Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters (NAJJP)
www.NationalJuneteenth.com

PRI: Public Radio International

Texas senator proposes national Juneteenth holiday to celebrate the end of slavery

Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.