John, today we celebrate Juneteenth.

It's a day to commemorate when the last group of enslaved Americans learned of their emancipation. While we still have light-years to come to achieve true racial parity, we recognize this day as the first step in correcting a great evil.

Today holds special power for me as an Afro-Latina woman running for office in Richmond, once the seat of the Confederacy. I know that one-hundred, even fifty, years ago my election would not have been possible, and we must recognize that progress even as so many forces and politicians are working to gloss over and erase our Black voices and experiences from history.

As my family and I celebrate the second full year of our newest federal holiday, I reflect on the fact that Juneteenth is a celebration of our freedoms and the hope for change. I know that this change will not come fast enough, but I'm running for State Senate to accelerate the pace at which it might come. We must steadfastly work and continue to fight to create a just and welcoming Commonwealth, and that is exactly what I am committed to doing.

I wish you and yours a happy and safe Juneteenth.

In solidarity,

Hala





Paid for by Hala for State Senate

Hala for State Senate
P.O. Box 7434
Woodbridge, VA 22195
United States

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