 John, Exactly 158 years ago today, the last group of enslaved African Americans in the United States learned of their freedom. While the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two years prior, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865 – now known as Juneteenth – that the 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were officially and finally free. Today, 158 years later, communities across America still gather together on Juneteenth to commemorate the end of slavery, honor the extension of freedom to all enslaved people, and reflect on the progress we’ve made towards equity, justice, and freedom for all. I’m heartened, humbled, and honored to be taking part in these celebrations. But, John, while today is certainly a time to celebrate how far we’ve come in our pursuit of a more perfect union, it also is a day to reflect on how far we still have to go. With systemic racism and modern-day Jim Crow laws – like voter suppression and redlining – still oppressing Black communities across the nation, it couldn’t be more clear that we are far from emulating the perfect union that our country was founded to be; far from embodying the values of equity and freedom our country was born to champion. So today, may we all recommit ourselves to the fight for true freedom for all Americans – because no one can be truly free until all of us are free. In celebration and solidarity: Happy Juneteenth. Onward, Emilia |
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