Palmetto State News

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) celebrated Juneteenth today during an event at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The commemorative gathering included remarks from Dr. Ben Carson, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black; and a fireside chat with Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, and Kevin Young, the Andrew Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

"I think about the fact that on June 18, 1865, in Galveston, TX, so many people clinging to hope, believing beyond their circumstances that somehow, someway things would be different," said Senator Scott. "Being disappointed for three and a half centuries but holding on to this thing called hope."

He added: "These were faithful, resilient, powerful people who held on with both hands to hope. Twenty-four hours later the message of freedom would ring."

Senator Scott emphasized unity in his speech: "We live in the most remarkable country on God’s green earth. We the collective have work to be done to make sure that the next generation has more mountains to climb and fewer valleys to live in. We get there together. We do not get there separately."

"Let us be the hands and feet of hope and justice," he concluded, "and we will be able to live in a country that is, in fact, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The event also featured displays of various historical artifacts.