Today marks the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth. On this day in 1865, the news of abolition finally reached enslaved African Americans in Texas – more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth stands as a celebration of freedom, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We must acknowledge that the fight for recognition, sovereignty, and justice still persists today.

Juneteenth was only the beginning of a broader struggle for civil rights and equal opportunities for all.

Tribal communities, like mine, understand this struggle. We too have faced injustice, voter suppression, and the erasure of our culture for generations.

The fight for equality is ongoing – but I am hopeful that if we keep fighting for our shared values, we will continue to make progress towards freedom and fairness for all.

In the spirit of justice and equality: happy Juneteenth.

– Patrick