In a powerful address marking the anniversary of Emancipation Day, former President Joe Biden spoke to a congregation in Galveston, Texas, today, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for equality and the significance of Juneteenth. With a sense of urgency, Biden highlighted the historical context of June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers delivered the news of freedom to enslaved individuals in Texas, a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Biden, reflecting on his own journey and the civil rights movement, urged the audience to recognize that black history is, unequivocally, American history. He underscored the importance of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, a milestone achieved during his administration with bipartisan support in 2021. The former president’s remarks resonated deeply within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as he called attention to the long and arduous path toward true equality, acknowledging that while freedom was proclaimed, the fight for justice continues.

As he recounted his personal experiences and the struggles faced by the black community, Biden’s tone was both reflective and resolute, reinforcing the message that the journey toward equality is far from over. The event served not only as a celebration of freedom but also as a clarion call for ongoing activism and awareness in the face of systemic inequalities.

This poignant gathering in Galveston serves as a reminder that the legacy of slavery and the quest for civil rights remain pressing issues in America today. As the nation commemorates this pivotal moment in history, Biden’s words echo the call to action for future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality for all.