John,

Happy Juneteenth! It's a beautiful day in Philadelphia to celebrate with friends, family, and the community.

Today, we commemorate a momentous occasion in our nation's history — the emancipation of the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas. Juneteenth stands as a symbol of freedom and independence for all.

On this momentous day, let us reflect on the sacrifices made by our ancestors who bravely forged a new path toward true freedom and prosperity. They left behind the chains of slavery, reuniting with their families, building schools, entering politics, and laying the groundwork for future generations.

And as we come together to celebrate, we must acknowledge the truths of our nation's dark and brutal past, alongside the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to our nation's progress.

We achieved a significant milestone two years ago by officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. However, there is still much work ahead. We must address the systemic inequalities that persist in education, housing, health care, criminal justice, wealth distribution, and policing practices. Engaging in comprehensive conversations about reparations for slavery and the legacy of Jim Crow is a necessary step toward justice and equality.

Rest assured that I remain committed to advocating for a future where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Happy Juneteenth!

In solidarity,

Dwight Evans