Happy Juneteenth.

On Juneteenth, we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, reflect on the injustices that have historically been inflicted upon Black Americans, and acknowledge what still needs to be done to create an equitable nation for all.

It is important to never forget our nation’s history and remember that the fight for equal rights and opportunity for Black Americans remains ongoing. The systemic oppression, such as policies and laws that have historically kept racial minorities in poverty and disadvantaged, that Black Americans continue to face is an issue we must all work to overcome every single day. Together, we must learn from our nation’s history of violent oppression against people of color and continuously call out and push back against oppression, bias, and hate when we see it in our everyday lives.

Today and every day, I am committed to standing up against racial injustice and celebrating freedom. I hope you will join me today in celebration of the progress we have made so far and in acknowledgment of the work that still needs to be done.

Thank you,

Raul