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CNN
9 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Biden shares message of unity and action during Juneteenth celebration at historic Black church
Former President Joe Biden celebrated Juneteenth on Thursday at a historic Black church in Texas, calling for Americans to come together to push the country forward. 'I don't come here today to only commemorate the past. I come here because we know the good Lord isn't done with us yet,' Biden said, adding, 'We have work to do. We need to keep pushing America forward.' 'We're the United States of America,' Biden said. 'There's nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.' Biden's remarks at the historic Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, come nearly four years after he made Juneteenth a national holiday — the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Biden said he was 'very proud' to sign the bipartisan legislation. 'It made me proud. Proud that we were united,' Biden said. 'Proud, despite all our differences, we can still come together for things that matter most.' Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery, commemorating the day Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston and told a group of slaves that the Civil War had ended and they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. 'Juneteenth is a day of liberation, a day of remembrance and a day of celebration,' Biden said. 'Juneteenth represents both the long and hard night of slavery and subjugation and the promise of joyful morning to come.' 'Our federal holidays say … who we are as Americans,' Biden later added. 'What we celebrate says what we value.' President Donald Trump — who has not signed a proclamation this year observing Juneteenth — took to social media on Thursday to criticize the number of non-working holidays in the United States. 'Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed,' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, 'It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Trump's post comes as he continues to make the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs a centerpiece of his second administration, ordering a ban on DEI programs in federal agencies on his first day in office. Without mentioning Trump by name, Biden reflected on the nation's history and the current political climate. 'We need to be honest about our history,' Biden said on Thursday, pointing to 'efforts to erase history from our textbooks and our classrooms.' Biden's administration — which came in the aftermath of widespread protests against racial injustice following George Floyd's killing in 2020 — embraced diversity and DEI efforts. Biden ran alongside the first Black, South Asian and woman vice president in 2020, and he had the most racially diverse presidential Cabinet in US history. Biden also nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the first Black woman Supreme Court justice. Biden also signed legislation to rename nine military bases that were named after Confederate leaders. The Trump administration has since moved to restore the names of each of the bases. Biden's Thursday remarks come two months after his office announced that the former president, 82, has been diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that spread to his bones. Late last month, the former president struck an optimistic tone when he spoke publicly for the first time about his cancer diagnosis, telling reporters: 'We're going to be able to beat this.' He similarly ended on an energized chord Thursday, telling the churchgoers in Galveston, 'Let's get the hell to work and get more done.'
CNN
9 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Biden shares message of unity and action during Juneteenth celebration at historic Black church
Former President Joe Biden celebrated Juneteenth on Thursday at a historic Black church in Texas, calling for Americans to come together to push the country forward. 'I don't come here today to only commemorate the past. I come here because we know the good Lord isn't done with us yet,' Biden said, adding, 'We have work to do. We need to keep pushing America forward.' 'We're the United States of America,' Biden said. 'There's nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.' Biden's remarks at the historic Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, come nearly four years after he made Juneteenth a national holiday — the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Biden said he was 'very proud' to sign the bipartisan legislation. 'It made me proud. Proud that we were united,' Biden said. 'Proud, despite all our differences, we can still come together for things that matter most.' Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery, commemorating the day Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston and told a group of slaves that the Civil War had ended and they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. 'Juneteenth is a day of liberation, a day of remembrance and a day of celebration,' Biden said. 'Juneteenth represents both the long and hard night of slavery and subjugation and the promise of joyful morning to come.' 'Our federal holidays say … who we are as Americans,' Biden later added. 'What we celebrate says what we value.' President Donald Trump — who has not signed a proclamation this year observing Juneteenth — took to social media on Thursday to criticize the number of non-working holidays in the United States. 'Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed,' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, 'It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Trump's post comes as he continues to make the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs a centerpiece of his second administration, ordering a ban on DEI programs in federal agencies on his first day in office. Without mentioning Trump by name, Biden reflected on the nation's history and the current political climate. 'We need to be honest about our history,' Biden said on Thursday, pointing to 'efforts to erase history from our textbooks and our classrooms.' Biden's administration — which came in the aftermath of widespread protests against racial injustice following George Floyd's killing in 2020 — embraced diversity and DEI efforts. Biden ran alongside the first Black, South Asian and woman vice president in 2020, and he had the most racially diverse presidential Cabinet in US history. Biden also nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the first Black woman Supreme Court justice. Biden also signed legislation to rename nine military bases that were named after Confederate leaders. The Trump administration has since moved to restore the names of each of the bases. Biden's Thursday remarks come two months after his office announced that the former president, 82, has been diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that spread to his bones. Late last month, the former president struck an optimistic tone when he spoke publicly for the first time about his cancer diagnosis, telling reporters: 'We're going to be able to beat this.' He similarly ended on an energized chord Thursday, telling the churchgoers in Galveston, 'Let's get the hell to work and get more done.'
CNN
10 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Biden shares message of unity and action during Juneteenth celebration at historic Black church
Former President Joe Biden celebrated Juneteenth on Thursday at a historic Black church in Texas, calling for Americans to come together to push the country forward. 'I don't come here today to only commemorate the past. I come here because we know the good Lord isn't done with us yet,' Biden said, adding, 'We have work to do. We need to keep pushing America forward.' 'We're the United States of America,' Biden said. 'There's nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we act together.' Biden's remarks at the historic Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, come nearly four years after he made Juneteenth a national holiday — the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Biden said he was 'very proud' to sign the bipartisan legislation. 'It made me proud. Proud that we were united,' Biden said. 'Proud, despite all our differences, we can still come together for things that matter most.' Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery, commemorating the day Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston and told a group of slaves that the Civil War had ended and they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. 'Juneteenth is a day of liberation, a day of remembrance and a day of celebration,' Biden said. 'Juneteenth represents both the long and hard night of slavery and subjugation and the promise of joyful morning to come.' 'Our federal holidays say … who we are as Americans,' Biden later added. 'What we celebrate says what we value.' President Donald Trump — who has not signed a proclamation this year observing Juneteenth — took to social media on Thursday to criticize the number of non-working holidays in the United States. 'Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed,' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding, 'It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Trump's post comes as he continues to make the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs a centerpiece of his second administration, ordering a ban on DEI programs in federal agencies on his first day in office. Without mentioning Trump by name, Biden reflected on the nation's history and the current political climate. 'We need to be honest about our history,' Biden said on Thursday, pointing to 'efforts to erase history from our textbooks and our classrooms.' Biden's administration — which came in the aftermath of widespread protests against racial injustice following George Floyd's killing in 2020 — embraced diversity and DEI efforts. Biden ran alongside the first Black, South Asian and woman vice president in 2020, and he had the most racially diverse presidential Cabinet in US history. Biden also nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the first Black woman Supreme Court justice. Biden also signed legislation to rename nine military bases that were named after Confederate leaders. The Trump administration has since moved to restore the names of each of the bases. Biden's Thursday remarks come two months after his office announced that the former president, 82, has been diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that spread to his bones. Late last month, the former president struck an optimistic tone when he spoke publicly for the first time about his cancer diagnosis, telling reporters: 'We're going to be able to beat this.' He similarly ended on an energized chord Thursday, telling the churchgoers in Galveston, 'Let's get the hell to work and get more done.'
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
‘Black history is American history': Biden commemorates Juneteenth in Texas as Trump claims there are ‘too many' holidays in the U.S.
Biden spoke at a Juneteenth celebration inside Galveston's Reedy Chapel on Thursday evening. His speech comes one month after his prostate cancer diagnosis. Juneteenth, which Biden designated as a federal holiday in 2021, commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. The holiday is celebrated on June 19, the day in 1865 when the end of slavery was enforced in Texas, more than two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 'Juneteenth is a day of liberation, a day of remembrance, a day of celebration,' Biden told the congregation. 'Black history is American history,' he added. Trump did not acknowledge the holiday, but he did make a post on Truth Social complaining that the U.S. has 'too many non-working holidays.' 'It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed,' Trump wrote. 'The workers don't want it either! Soon we'll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year. It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Biden used his speech to hit out at those who claim Juneteenth shouldn't be a federal holiday. 'Some say to me and to you that this doesn't deserve to be a federal holiday,' Biden said Thursday night. 'They don't want to remember, but we all remember, the moral stain of slavery.' "I took the view as president that we need to be honest about history, especially in the face of ongoing efforts to erase our history,' he added. Biden then appeared to allude to Trump, telling the congregation it's 'not just him' before pausing and raising his eyebrows. The room erupted into cheers and laughter as Biden did the sign of the cross before continuing. Biden went on to tell the congregation he 'played a role' in renaming military camps across the country that were named after Confederate leaders. 'But what are we doing now? Reinstating those names,' Biden said. The Trump administration recently reverted the names of several bases that were changed under Biden. "We are also going to be restoring the names to Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Gordon, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort AP Hill and Fort Robert E. Lee," Trump said while speaking from Fort Bragg last week. Biden isn't the only one who appears to be criticizing Trump on Juneteenth. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans in a statement Thursday, arguing they're making 'an intentional effort to turn back the clock and tear our country apart.' 'That struggle roars on, with President Trump and MAGA extremists banning books about Black history, dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs and trying to detonate the citizenship protections of the 14th Amendment,' Jeffries said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here are 5 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in and around the Myrtle Beach area
As June 19 nears, the Grand Strand is preparing to celebrate Juneteenth. Although South Carolina still doesn't recognize the holiday, Juneteenth was nationally recognized in 2021. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued Sept. 22, 1862 and took effect Jan. 1, 1863, but it would be a full 900 days before the proclamation was enforced in Texas. At the time news traveled slowly and many slave owners around the Southeast evading the Union army fled to Texas, forcing an estimated 150,000 enslaved Black people down with them. On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger issued the order that 'the people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.' Also known as Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is celebrated as a marker of liberation by many every year. This year, the Myrtle Beach area will feature concerts, expositions and more. Here are some of the biggest celebrations to check out. June 14, 16 and 17 Various times 405 Cleland Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 Georgetown County Library is debuting its inaugural Juneteenth Festival this year with line dancing, a writer's circle, food, crafts and more. At the Black Business Expo, visitors can explore Black-owned businesses, shop local vendors, attend workshops and enjoy live performances. The Artist Alleys will offer Gullah dollmaking and storytelling, with cakes and books available for purchase. June 14 2- 8 p.m. 1420 Carver St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 The city of Myrtle Beach's annual Juneteenth celebration will bring food and craft vendors, a kids' fun zone and live performances to Charlie's Place on Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the celebration of freedom, unity and community. In the event of inclement weather, festivities will move indoors to the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center at 971 Canal Street. June 18 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 Brookgreen Gardens will host a Juneteenth Program to honor freedom, heritage and resilience through storytelling for all ages. Gullah storyteller Frank Murray will share oral traditions and insight into the lives, culture and wisdom of the Gullah Geechee people. The event is free for members and included in garden admission for non-members. All attendees must register, which can be completed online here. June 18 5 p.m. 1067 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art will celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of African American heritage, music, culture and history at The Quad. The free event will feature emcee and historian Lee Brockington on how blues shaped African American resilience and influenced American music. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawnchairs to enjoy the music of blues guitarist Mac Arnold and Plate Full O'Blues, as well as food and drinks for purchase. June 21 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Atlantic Beach, SC The town of Atlantic Beach is partnering with the United Communities Assistance Network for an unforgettable Juneteenth festival. The celebration will feature Gullah Geechee cultural showcases, food, contests, live performances and even a flash mob. Before the event, bikers and drivers can meet in Shallotte, North Carolina, for a motorcycle freedom ride down the Gullah Geechee corridor.
