Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-23

CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN OF UNITY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN AURORA, ILLINOIS

Context

On 2026-06-23, Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN OF UNITY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN AURORA, ILLINOIS" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E605] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN OF UNITY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN AURORA, ILLINOIS ______ HON. BILL FOSTER of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the African American Men of Unity (AAMOU) at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Aurora, Illinois. For twenty-five years, this annual celebration has served as a powerful reminder of our Nation's ongoing journey toward freedom, equality, and justice. What began as a local effort to commemorate Juneteenth has grown into one of the Fox Valley region's most enduring and meaningful celebrations of African American history, culture, and achievement. Founded in 1999, the African American Men of Unity has long been dedicated to uplifting the community through mentorship, education, leadership development, and service. Under the leadership of Founder and Executive Director Ricky Rodgers, AAMOU has worked to create opportunities for young people, strengthen families, and promote unity throughout Aurora and the surrounding region. Through their annual Juneteenth celebration, AAMOU has created a space where residents of all backgrounds can come together to reflect on the significance of June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The event honors the resilience, perseverance, and contributions of African Americans while educating future generations about our Nation's history. Over the past twenty-five years, the celebration has featured educational exhibits, historical tributes, storytelling, music, cultural performances, youth activities, athletic competitions, local vendors, and opportunities for community engagement. It has become a cherished tradition that brings together families, neighbors, civic leaders, and organizations in a spirit of remembrance, learning, and unity. As we mark this milestone 25th anniversary, we also recognize the dedicated volunteers, organizers, community partners, and supporters whose commitment has sustained this celebration for a quarter century. Their work embodies the spirit of service and unity that strengthens our communities and enriches our democracy. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize this milestone anniversary, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the African American Men of Unity and all those who have contributed to the success of this celebration. ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN OF UNITY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN AURORA, ILLINOIS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E605] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN OF UNITY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN AURORA, ILLINOIS ______ HON. BILL FOSTER of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the African American Men of Unity (AAMOU) at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Aurora, Illinois. For twenty-five years, this annual celebration has served as a powerful reminder of our Nation's ongoing journey toward freedom, equality, and justice. What began as a local effort to commemorate Juneteenth has grown into one of the Fox Valley region's most enduring and meaningful celebrations of African American history, culture, and achievement. Founded in 1999, the African American Men of Unity has long been dedicated to uplifting the community through mentorship, education, leadership development, and service. Under the leadership of Founder and Executive Director Ricky Rodgers, AAMOU has worked to create opportunities for young people, strengthen families, and promote unity throughout Aurora and the surrounding region. Through their annual Juneteenth celebration, AAMOU has created a space where residents of all backgrounds can come together to reflect on the significance of June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The event honors the resilience, perseverance, and contributions of African Americans while educating future generations about our Nation's history. Over the past twenty-five years, the celebration has featured educational exhibits, historical tributes, storytelling, music, cultural performances, youth activities, athletic competitions, local vendors, and opportunities for community engagement. It has become a cherished tradition that brings together families, neighbors, civic leaders, and organizations in a spirit of remembrance, learning, and unity. As we mark this milestone 25th anniversary, we also recognize the dedicated volunteers, organizers, community partners, and supporters whose commitment has sustained this celebration for a quarter century. Their work embodies the spirit of service and unity that strengthens our communities and enriches our democracy. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize this milestone anniversary, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the African American Men of Unity and all those who have contributed to the success of this celebration. ____________________