Former President Joe Biden addressed critics of Juneteenth during a speech at an AME church service in Galveston Island, Texas, on Thursday.
The location holds historical significance as it is where, on June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger issued federal orders that enforced the emancipation of enslaved individuals.
Biden emphasized the importance of recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, countering claims that it is undeserving of official recognition.
In his remarks, he reflected on his childhood experiences visiting the Black community in Northeast Wilmington, suggesting these visits occurred after attending early-morning Catholic Mass in Greenville, Delaware.
While speaking, Biden appeared to refrain from directly criticizing President Donald Trump by name, instead referring to him as “this guy,” and paused to make the Sign of the Cross, eliciting applause from congregants present.
Biden recalled his past role as chair of the African Affairs subcommittee and his visits to the origins of slavery in Africa.
He cited the ongoing changes in America and stressed that the country was founded on the promise of freedom for all people.
“The events of Juneteenth are of monumental importance to the American story,” he stated, describing slavery as “America’s original sin.”
He voiced his concern over those who wish to forget this chapter of history, stating, “They don’t want to remember—but we all remember the moral stain…”
Biden asserted the necessity for honesty about the nation’s history, noting ongoing efforts to erase it.
He implicitly criticized Trump concerning the renaming of Southern military bases, although it was noted in congressional testimony that these names are being restored to ones reflecting U.S. military heroes rather than Confederate generals.
“Darkness can hide much but can erase nothing,” Biden remarked, highlighting the scriptural sentiment that faith without action is worthless.
Further addressing social issues, Biden pointed out that Black Americans and other minorities continue to face barriers to voting, even six decades after the enactment of the Civil Rights Act.
He urged the audience to take action against those trying to complicate voting access and encouraged them to help with voter registration.
“Let’s reach out to our families, our friends, our neighbors, remind them how critical it is,” he said.
In contrast, Trump commented on the federal holiday, claiming it incurs significant financial burdens, saying it is costing the U.S. “billions of dollars to keep all of these businesses closed.”
He expressed concern that this could lead to a situation where every day of the year becomes a holiday.
Additionally, some state leaders, including West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, issued proclamations for Juneteenth while keeping state offices operational on this federal holiday.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from the White House regarding these discussions.
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