Dear friend,

On June 19th, 1865, the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, learned they were finally free. In 1863, two years prior, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery in the United States. However, the news did not reach the enslaved people living in Texas until years later. Today, we celebrate Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law four years ago, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. In the decades prior, many states recognized the significance of the day; however, it was not until 2021 that it gained nationwide recognition. Ms. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” advocated to make Juneteenth a federal holiday for many years. I am happy to have cosponsored this historic legislation and am grateful for the activism of Ms. Opal Lee.

There are several theories about why it took so long to deliver the news. One theory is that Texas was so isolated from the Union and Confederate forces, it served as a safe haven for the enslavers who resisted the order to free slaves. Another theory is there was a lone messenger dispatched to relay the news, who was killed before he could reach Texas. It is also believed that southern plantation owners purposefully withheld information in order to plant one last crop and keep free labor for another year.

As a history teacher, I believe it is important to look back and remember all we have accomplished in the fight for equality since the Civil War. Today, we appreciate the progress made but also recognize the long road ahead to establish equality for all Americans. While we take the time to celebrate the progress made towards racial justice in our country, let today also serve as a reminder that we can never go back.

Communities across the Fifth District gathered to celebrate freedom all throughout June. In honor of Juneteenth, I attended ceremonies in Waterbury and Torrington. The Waterbury Juneteenth Collective held a Freedom Celebration where we enjoyed live entertainment and food from black businesses while celebrating the meaning of Juneteenth.

The City of Torrington hosted a Juneteenth Celebration, which featured prayers, a Juneteenth Flag Raising, a performance of the Black National Anthem, and entertainment by Howard’s All-Star Drummers.

 
In 1865, we fought for fundamental freedoms, and today, we continue to fight for access, opportunity, and equity. Juneteenth and the end of slavery in this country is a day that all Americans should celebrate.

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress