Norton Celebrates Juneteenth with Call for D.C. Statehood and Equal Representation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement in recognition of Juneteenth today, commemorating the fuller emancipation of African American slaves two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

"As we commemorate when the last slaves got word the final bondage of slavery was lifted, we must remember that America has a long way to travel before we reach a true representative democracy. The District of Columbia celebrates its Emancipation Day on April 16 because slaves in the District were freed nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation. Yet to this day, our residents do not have equal representation in our own Congress or full self-government.

"Juneteenth reminds us that work toward full equality remains undone, particularly for the District of Columbia. When the last of our ancestors were finally freed in Texas, many had not been informed. Today, we all know we must recommit to breaking down these remaining barriers to full equality."