ICYMI: President Biden Celebrates Black Excellence and Emphasizes the Importance of Juneteenth Once Again

In 2021, President Biden signed bipartisan legislation establishing Juneteenth as the nation's newest Federal holiday so that all Americans can feel the power of this day, learn from our history, celebrate our progress, and recognize and engage in the work that continues.

Juneteenth marks both the end of the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation and a promise of a brighter morning to come. On this day, we commemorate and honor the courage of countless formerly enslaved Black persons, abolitionists, and those of faith and good conscience who challenged us to confront the scourge of America's original sin and make more real the promise of America for all Americans.

Last week, President Biden hosted a Juneteenth concert and summit at The White House to emphasize that Black history is American history and to applaud all of those that remained resilient and kept their eye on the ultimate success, that of unity and equality for all Americans. President Biden has invested and will continue to invest in Juneteenth and its message, which has now become a day to celebrate, to educate and to act.

Read more below:

WTVD (ABC Raleigh, NC): Biden administration touts Black progress at Juneteenth Summit
[Monique John, 6/10/24]

WASHINGTON (WTVD) -- The Biden Administration held a summit Monday at the White House pegged to Juneteenth to highlight what the administration claims are the gains the president has made for Black Americans.

It was a packed day filled with remarks from key administration officials addressing a variety of issues focusing on how policies affect Black Americans.

Economic opportunity was a large part of the conversation, with officials saying closing the racial wealth gap has been a priority for President Joe Biden.

The White House said Black wealth has risen by 60% compared to 2019 accounting for inflation.

Black Enterprise: Biden Vows to Keep Fighting For Black Americans During Early Juneteenth Celebration Concert at White House
[Sharelle Burt, 6/12/24]

The White House lawn looked slightly different as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a star-studded concert for an early Juneteenth celebration.

Biden, Harris, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff sat in the front row for the concert on June 10, which featured performances from legendary artists, including singers Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and rapper Doug E. Fresh.

Several federal and state legislators came together on the South Lawn to celebrate Juneteenth, which was marked a federal holiday after Biden signed legislation in 2021.

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday is celebrated annually on June 19 – the day when the last enslaved Africans learned of their freedom in Galveston, Texas. Amid all the dancing and celebration, Biden spoke on the fight against efforts to eliminate Black history and vowed to continue a push to protect it. "Black history is American history," Biden said to almost 1,700 attendees.

The Grio: The biggest and Blackest moments of White House Juneteenth celebration
[Gerren Keith Gaynor, 6/11/24]

Black culture was live and in full effect Monday at the White House as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a Juneteenth celebration concert to commemorate the upcoming federal holiday that honors the ending of U.S. slavery and the granting of freedoms for formerly enslaved Black Americans.

Thousands of invited guests – almost exclusively Black – descended on the White House South Lawn for the nearly two-hour musical concert that saw performances from new and seasoned Black artists who covered genres from soul, blues, gospel, jazz, and hip-hop. The performers line-up included Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, Charlie Wilson, Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn, upcoming country artist Brittney Spencer, and singer-actress and star of "Raising Kanan" Patina Miller. The show was hosted by comedian Roy Wood Jr.

"White House lawn has never seen anything like this before," said President Biden while giving remarks at the end of Monday's celebration. The president, who signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021, said he was "proud to make Juneteenth a federal holiday" and made clear: "It wasn't just a symbolic gesture."

The Root: The Best Moments From The White House Juneteenth Celebration
[Candace McDuffie, 6/11/24]

On Monday (June 10), President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris gave powerful remarks at their Juneteenth concert, which took place on the White House lawn. Biden's speech was used to warn attendees how Republicans are trying to set Black America back.

"Taking away your freedoms, making it harder for Black people to vote or have your vote counted. Closing doors of opportunity, attacking the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. If you can believe it, banning books about Black experience," Biden said.

"America is a promise — a promise of freedom, liberty, and justice. The story of Juneteenth, as we celebrate it, is the story of our ongoing fight to realize that promise — not for some, but for all," Harris also stated.

The pair, along with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, welcomed dozens of state and federal lawmakers for the star-studded event. Here are the best moments.

The Black Wall Street Times: White House Celebrates Juneteenth with Headliners Charlie Wilson, Patti LaBelle, and More
[Nehemiah Frank, 6/12/24]

WASHINGTON – In an early celebration of Juneteenth, President Joe Biden hosted an event on the South Lawn of the White House, featuring renowned artists to honor this significant day in American history. Tulsa's own Charlie Wilson headlined the concert, joined by performers Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Kirk Franklin, creating a memorable experience for attendees.

The Juneteenth event highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to acknowledging and celebrating African American culture and history. The White House event team decorated the South Lawn with vibrant decorations, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and unity. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere, complete with food, music, and cultural displays showcasing the richness of African American heritage.

Vice President Harris Highlights Black Excellence and Freedom

President Kamala Harris delivered a speech at the Juneteenth concert, celebrating America's newest national holiday and emphasizing Black excellence, leadership, culture, and community. She underscored the historical significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom.

"Across our nation, we witness a full-on attack on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights, including the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body; the freedom to be who you are and love who you love openly and with pride; the freedom from fear of bigotry and hate; the freedom to learn and acknowledge our nation's true and full history; and the freedom that unlocks all others: the freedom to vote," Harris stated.

Vice President Harris also noted recent achievements such as student loan forgiveness, capping insulin costs, and appointing Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. She called for a national day of action on voting to protect and expand freedoms.

President Biden Honors Black History and Calls for Inclusivity

President Joe Biden referenced historical figures like Medgar Evers and honored individuals like Opal Lee for their contributions. He emphasized the need to continue working toward a more inclusive future, recognizing that Black history is an integral part of American history.

"There are old ghosts in new garments trying to take us back, taking away your freedoms; making it harder for Black people to vote or have your vote counted; closing doors of opportunity; attacking the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion; if you can believe it, banning books about Black experiences in America; trying to erase and rewrite history," President Biden stated.

Spectrum News NY1: At Juneteenth concert, Biden declares: 'Black history is American history'
[Justin Tasolides and Maddie Gannon, 6/11/24]

President Joe Biden on Monday night hosted an early Juneteenth celebration at the White House, the second time his administration has held a concert to commemorate the national holiday marking when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were freed.

In remarks on the South Lawn, the president warned of "old ghosts in new garments trying to take us back," condemning what he described as efforts to limit the right to vote or erase Black history via book bans in states across the country.

"Our history is not just about the past," the president said. "It's about our present and our future. It's whether that future is a future for all of us, not just for some of us."

"Black history is American history," Biden declared.

WHYY News: At Juneteenth summit, White House spells out Biden's record on housing, economy and education
[Amanda FitzpatrickCarmen Russell-Sluchansky, 6/19/24]

The White House held a Juneteenth event earlier this month, offering WHYY News the opportunity to speak with several White House officials about their priorities for Black Americans.

[…]

Nearly 1 in 5 Black Pennsylvanians was unemployed as 2020 ended, according to a report published by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). At the time, that was the highest rate of unemployment for Black workers in any U.S. state. However, by the end of the 2023, Black unemployment in the Keystone State had dropped to 5.7%, a record low and below the national average of 6.1%.

[…]

In Philadelphia, Black residents make up the largest residential group, yet earn roughly half of white non-Hispanic households.
As the price of homes skyrocket and interest rates steadily increase, Adrianne Todman, Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, agrees that Black residents have been hit the hardest.

[…]

The White House says it's also prioritizing investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. When it comes to housing, Todman said support for HBCUs goes hand in hand.

"HUD does a lot of research about what happens in the housing space, and we want to make sure that the very unique perspective that comes with the impact on African Americans is being done by HBCUs. So we provided $15 million to HBCUs over the past couple years just to research what's happening in the Black communities," Todman said.

Billboard: Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & More Bring a Joyous Celebration of Juneteenth to the White House

Gladys Knight glistened through renditions of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight Train to Georgia." Patti LaBelle kicked off her shoes during a spirited rendering of "Oh, People." Kirk Franklin took the crowd to church and brought Vice President Kamala Harris on stage for a twirl, and Charlie Wilson closed things down with an extended call and repeat after declaring, "Our ancestors are smiling down on us celebrating something that would have seemed unfathomable."

The second White House concert in celebration of Juneteenth, held on Monday (June 10), was a joyous affair from start to finish. The performances were bookended by opening remarks from VP Harris and closing comments from President Joe Biden, who both stayed for the entire event that took place three years after Biden signed bipartisan legislation establishing June 19 as a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

"Next Wednesday, across our nation, Americans will come together with generations of loved ones to celebrate Black excellence and leadership, culture and community, resilience and resistance," said Harris. "And to remember our nation's history in full."

"The White House lawn's never seen anything like this before," Biden noted, before warning that "old ghosts in new garments are trying to take us back" in time. "Taking away your freedoms, making it harder for Black people to vote or have your vote counted. Closing doors of opportunity, attacking the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. If you can believe it, banning books about Black experience. Black history is American history."