Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-10

CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUFFALO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

ImmigrationEnvironmentTradeVoting RightsCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-06-10, Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUFFALO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL" in the House.

Full Text

CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUFFALO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4058-H4059] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1015 CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUFFALO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo Juneteenth Festival, one of the great cultural traditions in western New York and one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the United States of America. Since 1976, countless participants have marched in Buffalo to celebrate the day in American history when word finally reached Galveston, Texas, in 1865 that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than 2 years prior. For those who were forced to wait, every day carried a profound human cost, but alongside injustice, Juneteenth is a story of what formerly enslaved men and women built with their freedom. Despite extraordinary obstacles and oppression, these Americans fought to claim their place in our democracy. In the process, they expanded the promise of America itself. Generations of Black Americans confronted and overcame barriers that were designed to exclude them, including Jim Crow's literacy tests, poll taxes, and racial violence, refusing to surrender the belief that America could become more faithful to its founding ideals. The struggle for Black America did not end in 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, and 15th Amendment; with the civil rights movement; or with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It continues right now, as we bear witness to the concerted, intentional campaign to take our Nation backward. The dismantling of the Voting Rights Act is allowing States across the South to enact racist gerrymanders and dilute Black political power. Moments like these remind us of the significance of Juneteenth and that our democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance. That is why Buffalo's Juneteenth Festival is so important. For 50 years, this gathering has continued the unfinished work of building a more just and inclusive nation. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Carrone Evon Crump, the [[Page H4059]] festival committee, the volunteers, and the community leaders, whose dedication has sustained this extraordinary Buffalo institution for 50 years. As we commemorate this golden anniversary, may we all remember Juneteenth's call to protect freedom. celebrating 20th anniversary of westminster economic development initiative Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative, better known across Buffalo and western New York as WEDI. For two decades, this extraordinary organization has been a driving force for opportunity and empowerment in the City of Good Neighbors. Through its work in education and economic development, WEDI has helped thousands of western New Yorkers of all ZIP Codes, backgrounds, and languages build stronger futures. From literacy programs that prepare young people for success in school to small business initiatives, like the West Side Bazaar, that provide entrepreneurs with mentorship and access to capital, WEDI opens doors and expands opportunities across our community. What makes WEDI so special is that it recognizes the talent and potential already present in our communities and provides people with the tools they need to thrive. In neighborhoods too often overlooked, WEDI has created pathways to economic mobility, empowered working families, and helped build a more inclusive and equitable Buffalo. Today, we celebrate 20 years of impact, leadership, and service. I thank everyone at WEDI for their unwavering commitment to western New York and for helping to ensure that the American Dream remains within reach for every member of our community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate WEDI on this anniversary. Onward to even more. ____________________

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CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUFFALO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4058-H4059] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1015 CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BUFFALO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo Juneteenth Festival, one of the great cultural traditions in western New York and one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the United States of America. Since 1976, countless participants have marched in Buffalo to celebrate the day in American history when word finally reached Galveston, Texas, in 1865 that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than 2 years prior. For those who were forced to wait, every day carried a profound human cost, but alongside injustice, Juneteenth is a story of what formerly enslaved men and women built with their freedom. Despite extraordinary obstacles and oppression, these Americans fought to claim their place in our democracy. In the process, they expanded the promise of America itself. Generations of Black Americans confronted and overcame barriers that were designed to exclude them, including Jim Crow's literacy tests, poll taxes, and racial violence, refusing to surrender the belief that America could become more faithful to its founding ideals. The struggle for Black America did not end in 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, and 15th Amendment; with the civil rights movement; or with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It continues right now, as we bear witness to the concerted, intentional campaign to take our Nation backward. The dismantling of the Voting Rights Act is allowing States across the South to enact racist gerrymanders and dilute Black political power. Moments like these remind us of the significance of Juneteenth and that our democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance. That is why Buffalo's Juneteenth Festival is so important. For 50 years, this gathering has continued the unfinished work of building a more just and inclusive nation. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Carrone Evon Crump, the [[Page H4059]] festival committee, the volunteers, and the community leaders, whose dedication has sustained this extraordinary Buffalo institution for 50 years. As we commemorate this golden anniversary, may we all remember Juneteenth's call to protect freedom. celebrating 20th anniversary of westminster economic development initiative Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative, better known across Buffalo and western New York as WEDI. For two decades, this extraordinary organization has been a driving force for opportunity and empowerment in the City of Good Neighbors. Through its work in education and economic development, WEDI has helped thousands of western New Yorkers of all ZIP Codes, backgrounds, and languages build stronger futures. From literacy programs that prepare young people for success in school to small business initiatives, like the West Side Bazaar, that provide entrepreneurs with mentorship and access to capital, WEDI opens doors and expands opportunities across our community. What makes WEDI so special is that it recognizes the talent and potential already present in our communities and provides people with the tools they need to thrive. In neighborhoods too often overlooked, WEDI has created pathways to economic mobility, empowered working families, and helped build a more inclusive and equitable Buffalo. Today, we celebrate 20 years of impact, leadership, and service. I thank everyone at WEDI for their unwavering commitment to western New York and for helping to ensure that the American Dream remains within reach for every member of our community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate WEDI on this anniversary. Onward to even more. ____________________