CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT RECOGNIZES JUNETEENTH

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in observance of the celebration of Juneteenth.

"On this day in 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read by U.S. Army Major Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas to slaves who were unaware of the original issuance and reading by President Abraham Lincoln nearly two and a half years prior," said Rep. Espaillat. "This day, referred to as Juneteenth, is a historic and significant date in American history and marks the date of freedom for the millions of slaves who were liberated.

"While our country has made great strides in race and freedom, there is still much work that remains in our efforts to ensure equity and equality for all individuals to have an opportunity to achieve the American dream."

# # #

Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov