Uifa’atali Amata
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the American Samoa Congressional Delegate) — U.S. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the national Juneteenth holiday, created by Congress in 2021.
This holiday celebrates freedom by recognizing the historic events of June 19, 1865, which is the day that news of freedom traveled to the last known place practicing slavery in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years before on New Year’s Day, 1863.
“On Juneteenth, we celebrate the cause of freedom for all, and honor these ideals,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Freedom prevailed in America, although for millions of people, it took nearly 90 years after the Declaration of Independence. Juneteenth is a yearly reminder that this country must always cherish freedom, and that message has a special emotional component for our African American countrymen and women, which we all come together to celebrate. Each generation becomes the next guardian of these ideals so that America can always stand for ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’”
