VIDEO: This Juneteenth, Pressley Urges America to Honor Ancestors, Press for Full Freedoms

June 19, 2026 VIDEO: This Juneteenth, Pressley Urges America to Honor Ancestors, Press for Full Freedoms “ Let everyone, of all backgrounds and in all regions of this country, commit to fighting for an America that oppresses no one.” VIDEO (YouTube) WASHINGTON – On the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a powerful speech commemorating Juneteenth, urging the country to honor ancestors through action, organizing, and by supporting restorative and reparative policies that bring Black America closer to freedom. A transcript of the Congresswoman’s floor speech is available below and the video is available here . Transcript: This Juneteenth, Pressley Urges America to Honor Ancestors, Press For Full Freedoms U.S. House of Representatives June 11, 2026 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Juneteenth, marking 161 years since the full enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. The Juneteenth flag was created by Boston’s own Ben Haith and insists that the story of our nation is incomplete without the ongoing work of liberation. Red, white, and blue affirm that Black Americans are Americans. An arc to symbolize the horizon of a future where America lives up to its ideals. And a starburst in the middle representing the new era of freedom. As we commemorate this sacred day, let us honor our ancestors not just through reflection, but through action, organizing, and restorative and reparative policies that bring us closer to freedom. The freedom they dreamt of and fought so hard for. Let everyone, of all backgrounds and in all regions of this country, commit to fighting for an America that oppresses no one. From Galveston to Boston, our futures are tied. Happy Juneteenth! ### Back to News Next Article Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email