Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement today in recognition of Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day:

“On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and relayed General Order Number 3, informing the state’s slaves that they had been freed.

“Juneteenth is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of those who suffered from the stain of slavery in our nation’s early history, and the courage of those who struggled to secure a more perfect union. We commemorate those who were born or sold into slavery, and those who died in the process of bringing about its end.

“Juneteenth is also an opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions made by the African American community, and our nation’s rich history of those willing to fight for equality and freedom for all.

“To this day, the fight continues. Voter expansion, immigration reform, marriage equality, education reform, employment non-discrimination, health care reform – each of these are part of the effort to extend the full set of rights and privileges to which we’re entitled as Americans.

“News of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston 901 days after it was issued by President Lincoln. Today, information can cross the globe instantaneously, but the spread of civil rights still takes time. I’m proud that the American people and the Democratic Party remain committed to the fight for progress.”