Biden Freezes During Juneteenth Event, Sparking Concerns
President Joe Biden commemorated Juneteenth at the White House, marking the national holiday that celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the United States. In his remarks, Biden condemned efforts to erase Black history through book bans, attacks on diversity programs, and restrictions on voting rights. He pledged that his administration would continue to uplift and protect Black history. As part of the celebration, the White House announced measures to preserve Black history, including displaying the original Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 at the National Archives Museum and providing new funding for reading and discussion programs across all states.
During the Juneteenth event, Biden appeared to freeze for nearly a minute, raising concerns about his health. Philonise Floyd, brother of the late George Floyd, intervened to support the president during the incident. Despite this, Biden continued with his speech, which emphasized the significance of Juneteenth and warned against efforts to limit the freedoms of the Black community. The event, attended by Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, featured performances by artists including Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and gospel singer Kirk Franklin. The celebration and Biden's remarks come as his administration seeks to highlight its accomplishments for the Black community ahead of the upcoming November elections.
