MEDIA ADVISORY AND PRESS RELEASE

Congressman Al Green Hosts Juneteenth Legislative Update Honoring The Father of Juneteenth, Texas State Representative Al Edwards 

(Houston, TX) — On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Congressman Al Green is hosting a Juneteenth Legislative Update to celebrate African American freedom as well as the resilience, strength, and perseverance of our ancestors. This will mark the third anniversary of Juneteenth being signed into law by President Biden as a federal holiday. The event will honor and acknowledge Texas State Representative Al Edwards, as the "Father of Juneteenth," for his milestone achievement as a freshman lawmaker who successfully enacted legislation that led to Texas becoming the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday in 1980. The event will include remarks from Cong. Al Green, family members of State Rep. Al Edwards, members of the clergy, and other elected officials. This legislative update will be held at the Fountain Life Center located at 14083 Main Street Houston, Texas 77035 at 8:00 a.m. CT.

On June 30, 2023, Congressman Al Green introduced H.Res.569 – The Original Resolution Recognizing Al Edwards as the Father of Juneteenth. This resolution recognizes former Texas State Representative Al Edwards as the father of Juneteenth and shows appreciation for the successful passage of Texas House Bill 1016, which made Texas the first State to recognize Juneteenth (June 19) as an official State holiday. A copy of the resolution can be accessed by clicking here.

“Juneteenth represents a time to embrace freedom and commemorate the tireless efforts of those who advocated for equality. Representative Al Edwards' pivotal role in establishing Juneteenth as a State holiday in Texas illustrates the political progress and celebration of African American heritage across the nation,” stated Congressman Al Green. “We must never forget the atrocities of slavery as we continue to work towards equality. Juneteenth stands as a notable chapter in American history, and it is imperative that we honor our past to achieve justice and liberty for the future.”

Click here to watch the Facebook Live Stream of the event.