WASHINGTON – In an early celebration of Juneteenth, President Joe Biden hosted an event on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring renowned artists to honor this significant day in American history. Tulsa’s own Charlie Wilson headlined the concert, joined by performers Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Kirk Franklin, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
The Juneteenth event highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to acknowledging and celebrating African American culture and history. The White House event team decorated the South Lawn with vibrant decorations, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and unity. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere, complete with food, music, and cultural displays showcasing the richness of African American heritage.
Vice President Harris Highlights Black Excellence and Freedom
President Kamala Harris delivered a speech at the Juneteenth concert, celebrating America’s newest national holiday and emphasizing Black excellence, leadership, culture, and community. She underscored the historical significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom.
“Across our nation, we witness a full-on attack on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights, including the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body; the freedom to be who you are and love who you love openly and with pride; the freedom from fear of bigotry and hate; the freedom to learn and acknowledge our nation’s true and full history; and the freedom that unlocks all others: the freedom to vote,” Harris stated.
Vice President Harris also noted recent achievements such as student loan forgiveness, capping insulin costs, and appointing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. She called for a national day of action on voting to protect and expand freedoms.
“This Juneteenth, we will hold a national day of action on voting. And I call on all the leaders here to please join us in helping more Americans register to vote,” the Vice President urged.
President Biden Honors Black History and Calls for Inclusivity
President Joe Biden referenced historical figures like Medgar Evers and honored individuals like Opal Lee for their contributions. He emphasized the need to continue working toward a more inclusive future, recognizing that Black history is an integral part of American history.
“There are old ghosts in new garments trying to take us back, taking away your freedoms; making it harder for Black people to vote or have your vote counted; closing doors of opportunity; attacking the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion; if you can believe it, banning books about Black experiences in America; trying to erase and rewrite history,” President Biden stated.
Connecting the Recent Fearless Fund Setback to Biden and Harris’s Remarks
As the White House celebrates Juneteenth, the setback faced by the Fearless Fund ties into the themes highlighted in the speeches by President Biden and Vice President Harris during the Juneteenth celebration. Vice President Harris’s remarks about ongoing attacks on hard-won freedoms and rights resonate with the court’s decision to block grants aimed at Black women entrepreneurs. Her emphasis on the necessity to fight for equality and freedom underscores the challenges that initiatives like the Fearless Fund encounter in promoting economic equity.
President Biden calls for recognizing and preserving Black history and the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This mission is reflected in the Fearless Fund’s work. The court ruling against the fund represents systemic barriers Biden warned about. Old prejudices and discriminatory practices undermine progress. By addressing these issues, Biden and Harris highlight the broader struggle. They fight against forces seeking to reverse civil rights gains. They also emphasize economic empowerment for African Americans.
Various administrations recognized Juneteenth through proclamations and statements. Formal White House celebrations were not documented similarly. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. This marked a significant step in federal recognition. The signing led to large-scale celebrations of the holiday on the South Lawn.
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Historical Observations of Juneteenth by Previous Administrations
Did the Obama Administration Observe Juneteenth?
President Barack Obama issued statements recognizing the significance of Juneteenth during his time in office. He acknowledged Juneteenth as an important milestone in American history, marking the end of slavery in the United States. He highlighted progress in civil rights and acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by African Americans.
Trump’s Past Claim of Making Juneteenth Famous
The Trump Administration actively observed Juneteenth, issuing official statements every year.
In 2020, the media focused on a controversy involving Trump. He planned a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Juneteenth. The backlash was swift due to the rally’s timing and location. Tulsa was where the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre occurred. Trump rescheduled the event following the backlash.
After the cancellation, Trump claimed he made Juneteenth “very famous.” This reflected his administration’s contentious recognition of the holiday.
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