Thread by @BBuchman_CNS

President Biden signs Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law shortly. Catch a stream here: and my report coming up for @CourthouseNews.

https://twitter.com/BBuchman_CNS/status/1405500451286626304

VP Harris begins the remarks today. Juneteenth has been known by many names over the years, but today, it will be known as a national holiday.
@CourthouseNews

Opal Lee, a lifelong advocate and activist for Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, is also here today. Biden knelt on the floor in front of her as Harris was speaking, took her hands and acknowledged her, smiling.

Harris recountedthe day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas "claimed' their freedom after the order came down from General Granger. She notes it was not the end of slavery in America.

We have come far and we have far to go but today is a day of celebration, not only a day of pride but it is also a day for us to reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to action, Harris says.

President Joe Biden now delivering remarks with Harris at his side. He underlines how it has been 156 years since the message was delivered to enslaved people in Texas.
(Think about that. That's not that long ago)

Juneteenth marks both a long hard night of slavery and subjugation and a promise of a greater morning to come. This is a day of profound weight and profound power, Biden says.

Biden: The day is about remembering the stain, the original sin of slavery but also recalling the capacity to heal, to have hope, and to emerge from painful moments and a bitter version of ourselves to make a better version of ourselves.
#JuneTeenth2021

Biden notes how the resolution had overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate passed unanimously, but the House did not.

Biden says of Opal Lee, I met her a year ago, and she told me she loved me and I believed it.
Ms. Lee laughs audiby.
Biden commends her as an incredible woman.
"And she's 49 years old," he jokes.
She's 94.

Opal Lee receives a standing ovation.

Biden asks for a personal point of privilege - the senator in him is still strong - and he says that he only regrets his grandchildren could not be here for such a historic day.

Great nations don't ignore their most painful moments. They embrace them. Great nations don't walk away; we come to terms with the mistakes we made and remembering these moments, we begin to heal and become stronger, President Biden says at today's Juneteenth resolution signing

Biden, stumping for his admin's jobs/relief packages, says the promise of equality is not going to be fulfilled until it becomes real in our schools, in our Main Streets and our neighborhoods. In our healthcare systems. Not fulfilled if the sacred right to vote is under attack

And that's it, with the stroke of his pen today, Joe Biden has formally made #JuneTeenth2021 a federal holiday. Story coming up for @CourthouseNews.

“Juneteenth marks both a long hard night of slavery and subjugation and a promise of a greater morning to come. This is a day of profound weight and profound power,” Biden said flanked by the first Black, South Asian and woman vice president Kamala Harris.
courthousenews.com/biden-makes-ju…