Happy Juneteenth, JOHN!

In 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery here in the United States.

Union soldiers made the two-year journey to Galveston, Texas, where they liberated the final enslaved people in America on June 19, 1865. During that journey, more than 250,000 Black Americans were freed.

159 years later, today reminds us of the steps we've taken to create justice and equity for everyone.

As a former prosecutor, attorney, and judge, I'm committed to ensuring equal justice for all. That's why I've dedicated my career to reforming our broken criminal justice system, overturning wrongful convictions, and establishing a mental health court for low-level offenders.

Though these are great steps forward, there is more work to be done to fight for honor this celebration of freedom in the name of civil rights and racial justice.

We have a duty to do everything we can to pass common-sense solutions that uplifts everyone, not only a few.

Sincerely,

Carl Marlinga