Statement from HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge in Honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge today released the following statement in celebration of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of all slaves in the United States.

“Juneteenth is a reminder of our nation’s ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and equity. American history includes Black history. As we strive for a world where the American dream is a reality for all, we must never forget the dark era when Black people in this country were enslaved,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “Juneteenth is not just a federal holiday but a recommitment to take the steps to fully realize freedom for Black people and to right the systemic wrongs that have long meant some communities are left behind. That's why HUD has worked to create and strengthen pathways for wealth-building for Black people. It's why HUD works every day to equitably deploy the historic resources that the Biden Harris Administration has made to lift Black communities. We owe it to our nation to do well by our promise of justice and liberty for all.”

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which declared Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth marks the day two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure all formerly enslaved people were freed.