Hello,

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, began on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This is when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas finally learned the Civil War was over and slavery had finally ended in the United States.

As we celebrate Juneteenth today, we’re not only honoring freedom but are also celebrating the progress we’ve made toward equity and renewing our commitment to equality.

159 years later, inequity continues to persist in our day-to-day lives and through the systems our country runs on.

It’s only been 3 years since President Joe Biden officially made Juneteenth a national holiday. He took an important step towards acknowledging Black history and the people who continue to fight for equality. This is why we need to fight to elect Democrats who are standing up for equality and who will pass legislation that moves our country forward. 

Today is a time to reflect and make sure we continue marching, voting, organizing, protesting, educating, and fighting until the promise of equal justice is fulfilled for all. 

Whether you plan to engage in conversations about racial justice or support organizations working towards equality, we encourage you to take action today.

Lavora Barnes
Chair, Michigan Democratic Party