John,

Today is Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery – and one that began right here in Texas. 

The first Juneteenth was celebrated back in Galveston in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the country learned of their freedom – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

It's been 158 years since that day, and Black communities in Texas and across the country continue to commemorate it as the official end of slavery. And, in 2021, I was so proud to join Fort Worth's own Ms. Opal Lee and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

This Juneteenth, I'm celebrating the incredible progress our country has made, and I'm reflecting on the work left to do. Systemic racism is still prevalent in so many aspects of our society – from the criminal justice system to racist voter suppression. It's up to all of us to shame and reject white supremacy in all its forms, and I'm proud to be part of the fight.

I believe our country will one day live up to its founding promise of equality and freedom for all. Our ability to strive toward this foundational promise is what makes the United States the greatest country in the world. 

Wishing you a happy Juneteenth,

Colin Allred