158 years ago today, the news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally
reached the enslaved Black citizens of Galveston, Texas, more than two
years after it was signed by President Lincoln.

Today, we remember our ancestors, who faced despicable injustices, and
still had the courage and the will to fight for a future they’d never get
to see. They believed that one day, their children would live in a better
America.

That belief came true for my great-grandmother.

My great-grandmother, Maebell James, was born just 31 years after the
first Juneteenth, in the segregated South. She faced unspeakable tragedy
in her life, and eventually our family fled to safety in Maryland, where
my sister and I were born and raised. Maebell was always there, a walking
example of wisdom, resilience, and dignity.

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I can’t tell you how proud she was when I entered law school. The fact
that I’m now County Executive would have blown her away – let alone that
I’m running for U.S. Senate!

She was a link between past and present who taught me where we came from,
what we fought for, and how incredibly far we’ve come. She witnessed
America transform beyond imagination.

I believe that our work today will give our own children a beautiful
future that we can’t yet see. I remain committed to furthering that
progress, and fighting for justice, safety, equality, and freedom for all,
regardless of race, gender, class, or creed.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

– Angela Alsobrooks


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