Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: June 23, 2017
Sen.
Pittman celebrates Juneteenth
Seeks to raise awareness of special day in black history
Sen. Anastasia
Pittman joined citizens of Clearview, one of Oklahoma’s
historical all-black towns, last week to celebrate their Founder’s
Day and Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the oldest-known celebration commemorating
the ending of slavery in the U.S.
“It was an honor to be asked to speak at this historical celebration
remembering that blessed day when our ancestors found out they were
free at last and were finally to be treated as human beings not property,”
said Pittman, D-Oklahoma City. “Juneteenth was a time when families
gathered to reassure each other, pray and find other family members
in those early days of freedom. We continue that tradition so we never
forget where we came from and what our ancestors went through so that
we could be free. I want to thank the Clearview community for continuing
this historic tradition and letting me be a part of it.”
Former and present Clearview residents gathered for the special event
entitled “Cherishing the Past, Focusing on the Future”
featuring Founder’s Day Chairman, Dr. Donnie Nero Sr.; Clearview
Mayor Marilyn Jackson; Founder’s Day president Veola French
West; pastor Derrick Scoby; Angela Bush; Frank Simmons; town secretary,
treasurer and clerk Shirley Nero and Sen. Pittman. The special events
also included a presentation from the Civil Rights Division of ODOT,
the historical interpretation of Chief Alfred Charles Sams by Bruce
Fisher, a historical bus tour of Clearview and the Founder’s
Day committee and community recognizing the Citizens of the Year recipients
James P. and Vivian H. Owens.
“Juneteenth and Founder’s Day are important in the preservation,
gathering and sharing of the history of our people and we hope the
coming years provide further insight into Oklahoma and African American
history,” said Dr. Donnie Nero Sr.
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger
arrived at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and
the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which became official on
January 1, 1863. Due to the low number of Union troops to enforce
the new executive order, Texans had ignored it.
“We must
cherish the many freedoms we have now as Americans and continue to
work together with our fellow citizens of all colors and backgrounds
to strengthen our nation. Collaboration takes courage but we must
learn from the challenges of the past and work towards a brighter
future for all citizens,” said Pittman.
Sen. Pittman will join with Rep. John Paul Jordan to author legislation
this coming session to make June 19th a holiday in Oklahoma to allow
families the day off to celebrate the state’s black history
and to recognize the Juneteenth celebration, which runs through July
4th. The bill would have Juneteenth recognized by the state as a "skeleton
crew" holiday meaning government offices would not be shut down
but agencies could operate with reduced staff.
“The ending
of slavery should be recognized and celebrated in every community
in Oklahoma. As President Lincoln stated, ‘If slavery is not
wrong, then nothing is wrong’. It’s important for us as
a nation and state to remember past challenges and celebrate overcoming
them,” said Rep. Jordan, R-Oklahoma City. “I want to thank
Sen. Pittman for her work in ensuring Juneteenth is recognized and
more can learn about this important time in our country’s history.
I’m looking forward to working on legislation with her to make
this an official state holiday. Juneteenth can be the kickoff of a
long period of Freedom Celebrations. From June 19th
to July 4th, Oklahomans can unite and celebrate our liberties.”
Pittman added that while celebrating Juneteenth and other freedoms,
Oklahomans must also recognize modern day slavery that is common in
Oklahoma and fight to stop it.
“While celebrating Juneteenth and our many other freedoms, we
can also spotlight the fact that slavery still persists today through
human trafficking and the sex trade,” said Pittman. “Adults
and kids are kidnapped on a nearly basis and sold into sex slavery
or forced to work against their will in horrible conditions. It’s
our duty to take action and stop these atrocities.”
In her effort to raise awareness of Oklahoma’s black history,
Pittman joined with the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department,
the Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma History Center and the Tulsa
Historical Society and Museum in recent years to help with the writing
of “Long Road to Liberty, Oklahoma’s African American
History & Culture”. To get a free copy of the book, contact
Sen. Pittman or the Tourism Department at (405) 230-8420 or www.travelok.com.
For more information, contact:
Sen. Pittman: (405) 521-5531

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