Just two years ago, Juneteenth became an official federal holiday. But its history traces back much, much further.

On June 19, 1865 — 158 years ago today — Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas. They declared that slavery was finally over, and the formerly enslaved people of Galveston erupted in joy. Ever since, today has been known as Juneteenth: the annual and oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

I’m very happy that Juneteenth has received the official recognition it deserves. It’s a chance to tell the story of how even in the face of oppression, Black Americans throughout our history have never stopped imagining and fighting for a better tomorrow. Not just for themselves, but for our entire nation.

Of course, it isn’t enough to look back and celebrate how far we’ve come. We have to look ahead and see what more we need to do.

Just remember the history: On that first Juneteenth, it had been over two years since President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation — but freedom on paper doesn’t always mean freedom in practice. And that’s certainly still true now.

Today, we have to recommit ourselves to rooting out systemic racism in every aspect of our economy and society. We have to confront white supremacy in all of its forms. We have to cement the unshakeable truth that Black lives matter.

So if you’re enjoying a long weekend for Juneteenth, and if you weren’t otherwise planning on it, I want to encourage you to meaningfully recognize this holiday. Do some reading on what Juneteenth is all about. Visit a museum. Attend a local event. Commit to getting involved in your community for racial justice.

I understand the responsibility that I and others have as white Americans to ask what we are doing to dismantle a system that has too often undervalued Black life. We cannot just be passive allies. We have to actively fight for everyone who’s still waiting for justice.

That’s what I’m remembering today as we honor Juneteenth.

Elizabeth

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