President Biden delivered a powerful speech on Monday, warning of the threat posed by those seeking to erase Black history and civil rights progress in remarks commemorating Juneteenth, the national holiday celebrating the freedom of the last enslaved people in America.
Speaking from the South Lawn of the White House during a concert in honor of the upcoming holiday, President Biden condemned efforts to undermine Black history through book bans, attacks on diversity programs, and voter suppression tactics. He emphasized that Black history is American history and vowed to protect and uplift it.
Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when the last remaining slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, was made a federal holiday by President Biden in 2021. The President described signing the legislation as one of his proudest moments, highlighting the resilience of generations of Black Americans.
The event at the White House, attended by music artists, elected officials, civil rights leaders, and scholars, also celebrated Black Music Month. Vice President Kamala Harris joined in the festivities, announcing a national day of action on voting to coincide with Juneteenth.
President Biden and Vice President Harris touted the administration’s accomplishments for the Black community, including wiping out student loan debt, capping the price of insulin, and appointing the first Black female Supreme Court justice. They emphasized the ongoing fight for equality and justice in America.
The White House issued a fact sheet outlining measures to protect Black history, including displaying historical documents at the National Archives Museum and providing funding for educational programs on slavery and emancipation. The Education Department will also address book bans that violate civil rights laws.
President Biden honored Black Americans who fought for civil rights, including Emmett Till, Medgar Evers, and Opal Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth. He emphasized the importance of remembering the legacy of slavery and the ongoing work needed to achieve true equality.
In closing, President Biden reflected on the significance of Juneteenth, calling it a day of profound weight and power. He acknowledged the progress made but stressed that there is still much work to be done to create a more just and equitable society for all.
