PRESS RELEASE

Congressman Al Green and Senator Elizabeth Warren Reintroduce
Slavery Remembrance Day Joint Resolution

(Houston, TX) — On Friday, July 28, 2023, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) reintroduced a joint resolution in the House and Senate to designate August 20th as Slavery Remembrance Day. They released the following statement:

“It is with great honor and gratitude that I continue to stand as the sponsor of the historic Slavery Remembrance Day joint resolution alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren. As we work towards passing this significant legislation, we pay tribute to those who suffered centuries-long oppression stemming from slavery, and acknowledge their resilience and contributions,” Congressman Al Green stated.

“Congressman Al Green and I are renewing our push to mark Slavery Remembrance Day with a resolution to acknowledge the horrors of slavery and honor those who led the fight for abolition,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “It’s powerfully important that we acknowledge this past, reflect on the terrible toll of slavery, and rededicate ourselves to the fight for racial justice.”

“Although the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, its effects have reverberated through generations, leaving a profound impact on the lives of descendants. As we advocate for Slavery Remembrance Day, we recognize the imperative of addressing these lasting consequences,” Congressman Al Green stated. “When recognizing the significance of national days of remembrance, we find profound meaning in honoring those impacted by horrific events and preserving their memory. Regrettably, unlike remembrance days for 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and the Holocaust, the United States currently lacks a designated national day to remember the atrocities of slavery. By rectifying this omission, we can illuminate our history and educate future generations to come.”

“This joint resolution is a passionate demonstration of our shared commitment to designating August 20th as Slavery Remembrance Day, a solemn commemoration of the arrival of the first slave ship on the shores of the English-speaking American colonies in 1619. On this day, we honor the lives of all those who endured the horrors of slavery, while resolutely condemning the act and perpetuation of this abhorrent practice. The resolution summarizes pivotal historical events such as the Middle Passage, the valiant efforts of the Underground Railroad, and the remarkable lives of courageous individuals like Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, and John Brown, who stood against oppression and paved the way for freedom and justice,” said Congressman Al Green.