Friends,

I am honored to join you in celebrating Juneteenth, a day of remembrance marking the end of slavery. One hundred fifty-nine years ago today, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and proclaim freedom for all enslaved individuals. Today, we celebrate the rich contributions that Black Americans have made to our society and acknowledge the continued fight against systemic racism and inequality.

Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the need for us to come together as a community and stand united in our dedication to ensuring freedom and fairness for all. I remain committed to fighting for justice in Black communities, and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support necessary for economic success.

While we celebrate this milestone, we must also confront the ongoing challenges that hinder true equality in our society. Discrimination persists, casting shadows on the path toward progress. This is why I am proud to have introduced several pieces of legislation to close the racial wealth gap and promote access to capital for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in low-income and minority communities. This includes the Low-Income First-Time (LIFT) Homebuyers Act, legislation that would allow first-time, first generation homebuyers – predominantly people of color – to build equity in their homes faster, helping them to pay down their mortgages and build generational wealth. It is no secret that the racial wealth gap persists, and it is vital that we continue to expand access to opportunity and address systemic barriers for all Virginians.

I will continue advocating for policies that promote social justice and support Black Americans throughout the United States and the Commonwealth. Let us use this opportunity to correct our historical wrongs and continue to make our future better. If you ever want to get in touch with me about an issue that is important to you or learn more about the policies that I am working on, I encourage you to reach out to me using the form on my Senate website. You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or Threads. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,