Texas Elected Officials Commemorate Juneteenth Holiday

Thehe United States celebrated “Juneteenth,” to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in the state of Texas in 1865. Elected officials from Texas shared their thoughts surrounding the holiday and its history.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) brought forth information regarding his hometown of Houston and its connection to Juneteenth.

“Today is Juneteenth — an important date in Texas and American history,” said Sen. Cruz. “159 years ago, Major General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War was over, and that enslaved people were now finally free. In 1872, in my hometown of Houston, four men bought land to host Juneteenth celebrations — Emancipation Park, the oldest public park in Texas. And in 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth. Today reminds us of our country’s promise to protect the unalienable rights given by God — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. May God Bless Texas and the United States.”

Furthermore, Sen. Cruz’s opponent in the upcoming senatorial election, Representative Colin Allred (D-TX), stated that this day can be used as “a reminder of the progress we’ve made.”

“Marking the end of slavery, #Juneteenth found its roots in Texas 159 years ago today when news of freedom was delivered in Galveston,” said Rep. Allred. “May this day not only serve as a reminder of the progress we’ve made toward equality but also of the work ahead.”

Moreover, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) – who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – shared a similar sentiment.

“Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and celebration - to recognize how far we have come. I am committed to protecting and advancing the freedoms that we celebrate today by protecting voting rights for all Americans. #Juneteenth2024 #FreedomtoVote,” said Rep. Jackson Lee.

Finally, Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) added his perspective as well.

“159 years ago today, word of the Civil War's ending and the abolition of slavery reached Galveston, Texas, marking the first celebration of Juneteenth,” said Rep. Cuellar. “I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the legislation that declared Juneteenth a federal holiday. Let us remember the importance of this day and reflect upon our nation's history.”

Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021 and is acknowledged by Americans across the country.