Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11) made the following statement regarding the significance of commemorating Juneteenth:

“Commemorating Juneteenth is an opportunity for reflection on where we are as a people and the tenacity it took for us to survive.  In the 21^st century it is unimaginable for me to fathom how it felt to learn of the Emancipation Proclamation years after the rest of the nation. I commend our forefathers and foremothers for turning lemons into lemonade.

It is incumbent upon of each of us to be aware of events that occur locally, regionally, nationally and globally.  Commemorating Juneteenth is a reminder that we can either tell our own story or have our story told.  I encourage the next generation to continue the legacy and tell our story.”

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