Friend,

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and delivered the news that the Civil War had ended, and all enslaved individuals were now free. This momentous announcement, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, served as a turning point in our nation's history, but it also highlighted the enduring struggle for equality that continues to this day.

This day is now known as Juneteenth, a day to commemorate and honor the end of slavery in the United States. It’s also an important day to celebrate the progress we have made and recognize the work that still lies ahead as we continue to fight for true equity for all Americans.

Today, I am taking time to listen, learn, and commit to the work ahead. Juneteenth is an opportunity to continue educating ourselves on our history and reflect on our roles in the fight for racial justice. There is still so much work that still needs to be done to dismantle the barriers that disproportionately affect communities of color. 

I encourage you to take the time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the significance of this day and engage in meaningful conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about racial justice and equality. 

Let’s work together to create an equitable future and make a positive change based on the ideas of liberty and justice that our nation was founded on.

Thank you,

– Debbie