Friend,

Today is Juneteenth, a day to commemorate and honor the end of slavery in the United States. 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 day has marked a turning point in our nation’s history but also allows us to recognize the enduring struggle for equality we continue to see today. 

Today, we must acknowledge the progress our nation has made but also realize the work we have ahead of us. Today is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to standing together to ensure every person in America is treated equally and with respect. 

It has only been two years since we passed into law the Emmett Till Antilynching Act to require any offense involving lynching as a hate crime. We must remain committed to continuing the work of ensuring liberty and justice for all.

There is still so much work that 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.

We must continue to work together to fight for equality and make a positive change based on the ideas of liberty and justice that our nation was founded on. We cannot take the progress we have made for granted nor can we allow ourselves to go backward. Celebrating this holiday today reaffirms this country’s quest for equality.

Thank you,

– Debbie