John,
Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we reflect on its profound history and significance.
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, news of freedom finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. This pivotal moment marked the end of chattel slavery in the United States and is now celebrated as Juneteenth—a powerful reminder of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
While we honor the history of this day, let’s remember that Juneteenth is more than a moment of reflection on our nation’s journey—it’s a powerful call to action, a day when the spirit of freedom and the pursuit of justice resonate louder than ever.
Today, we don’t just honor the past, we celebrate the relentless efforts of those fighting in the present to bring us closer to a future of genuine equity and unyielding freedom.
Actions like those of Rep. Cori Bush, who last year introduced the “Reparations Now” resolution, calling on Congress to establish a system of federal reparations to address the severe economic and social disparities created by slavery and systemic racism. I strongly support her in this, and we must keep reparations on the national agenda as part of our efforts to achieve racial equity.
We can’t just talk about it, we have to do it. When I am in Congress, we will continue to support, amplify, and push for reparations legislation.
There are some incredible Juneteenth events in L.A. County today and this week!
