Dupage Policy Journal

Senator John F. Curran has encouraged his constituents to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. In a June 19 Facebook post, he expressed hope that learning about "the horrors of the past" would help create "a brighter future."

"This Juneteenth, I am thinking of the faith, resilience and strength of the millions of enslaved people whose own individual stories make up American history," said F Curran, State Senator 41st District, according to Facebook. "I hope that the more we acknowledge and work to understand the horrors of the past, the better chance we have of creating a brighter future. ou can learn more about Juneteenth and join in the celebration with Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture."

Curran shared a link to a webpage on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which focuses on Juneteenth. The page offers visitors various resources, including discussions on the first Juneteenth, a suggested reading list, and an exploration of the resilience of formerly enslaved people.

Screenshot of Sen. John F. Curran's June 19 Facebook post | Senator John Curran's Facebook page

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved people that they were free. This occurred two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. According to History.com’s webpage focused on the holiday, General Gordon Granger read General Orders No. 3 on this day in 1865, stating: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." This announcement came two months after General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.

Juneteenth became a national holiday on June 19, 2021, following a proclamation from President Joseph R. Biden. In his proclamation, Biden said: "As those who were formerly enslaved were recognized for the first time as citizens, Black Americans came to commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations across the country, building new lives and a new tradition that we honor today. In its celebration of freedom, Juneteenth is a day that should be recognized by all Americans. And that is why I am proud to have consecrated Juneteenth as our newest national holiday."

John Curran joined the Illinois General Assembly in 2017. Before joining the Illinois Senate, he served three terms on the DuPage County Board and rose to Vice Chair. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation.