Senator James Sanders Jr. Calls on Residents to Celebrate Juneteenth and Recognize the End of US Slavery on June 19th

 Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens) asks residents to celebrate Juneteenth and recognize the end of US slavery on June 19.

“From chattel slaves to President of the United States, the narrative of black people in this nation is a compelling one,” said Senator Sanders. “A people once in bondage who broke free of chains to make significant strides and contributions, whether it be an Olympic gold medal winner, inventor of the first home security system or a Corporate CEO, is a testament to the will of the human mind.”

Juneteenth symbolizes the end of US slavery. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, but it was not until June 19, 1865 that all slaves were finally freed. That concluded when General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas with troops and issued Order Number 3 that finally freed the last of the slaves.

The formal end of slavery was marked by the passing of the 13th amendment of the US Constitution.

"Slavery may have ended, but blacks still face many injustices today whether it is police brutality, housing and job discrimination, or simply just being black while sitting in a coffee shop and the target of racism,” said Sanders.

The Senator encourages residents to seek out and participate in Juneteenth celebrations happening in their community.