Oldest Juneteenth Organization Acknowledges White House for Recognizing Representative Al Edwards’ Contributions to Creation of Federal Holiday
2023 Juneteenth proclamation included homage to Al Edwards, considered “The Architect & Father of Juneteenth”
Beachwood, OH, United States, 8th May 2024—Juneteenth USA, the oldest Juneteenth organization in the U.S., today issued an acknowledgement of the White House’s reference to Texas State Representative Al Edwards, known affectionately as the “Father of Juneteenth,” for his tireless state by state legislative advocacy and unwavering commitment for almost four decades—which paved the way for Juneteenth to transition from a Texas state holiday to a revered national holiday. The reference was in the administration’s 2023 Juneteenth proclamation. Representative Edwards’ children founded Juneteenth USA.
Al Edwards, born March 19, 1937, embarked on a remarkable journey that would forev...