WASHINGTON, June 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a
statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa and Marcus
King, Director of the Teamsters' Human Rights and Diversity
Commission, on the signing of legislation that would memorialize
Juneteenth, the June 19 anniversary
of the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally notified they had been
freed as a result of the end of the Civil War two months earlier,
as a paid federal holiday.
"One year ago, in the wake of unjustified deadly actions taken
by some members of law enforcement against Black Americans across
the country, the Teamsters endorsed a Juneteenth federal holiday to
recognize the day more than a century and a half ago when the last
of those enslaved received their legal freedom. We are pleased to
see President Biden and Congress follow through with its
creation.
"But just as real justice for African Americans didn't result
from that notification in 1865, the fight for equality doesn't end
here either. This union recognizes that we all must do more to
ensure people of color can live their lives and have full access to
the same rights and freedoms that so many of us enjoy without fear
of reprisal. Creating a Juneteenth holiday doesn't do that by
itself, but it will continue America's evolution towards truly
bringing liberty and justice for all, and acknowledging our shared
history.
"For more than a century, the Teamsters have stood for racial
equality. And we remain resolute in continuing to serve as leaders
in ensuring that all workers, no matter their race, ethnicity,
religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, receive equal pay
and protections on the job. That's what this union can do to make
sure our nation lives up to its promise."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout
the United States, Canada and Puerto
Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us
on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Ted Gotsch,
(703) 899-0869
tgotsch@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters