LANSING-State Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) last week celebrated Juneteenth in several events in Lansing and Battle Creek. Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“Major advancements have been made in equality and freedom in the last 142 years,” said Schauer. “But we must keep working to protect and expand that freedom for everyone.”

On May 31st, 2005, the Michigan Senate passed SB 384, calling for the third Saturday in June to be recognized as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day.” The bill acknowledged the inhumanity and cruelty associated with the act of slavery and celebrates the freedom of all people living in the United States.

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Mark Schauer is the Senate Democratic Leader. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes all of Calhoun County and most of Jackson County.