Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally got word of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was issued. It marked the beginning of the end of slavery in America, and a turning point in our nation's long march toward justice.

This year, Juneteenth takes on a renewed urgency as the Trump administration and its allies continue their focus on ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives across the country. 

There’s no doubt our country has a difficult history, John, one marred by inequities and injustices. As a former history teacher, I know we must confront that history, not erase it. Yet there are those who would have us forget, who seek to strip our libraries, classrooms, and textbooks of the truth. But we cannot grow from our past unless we face it honestly and completely -- the good and the bad.

Juneteenth reminds us how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go to achieve liberty and justice for all. That’s what our movement is about. Together, we are fighting to elect Democrats who will protect voting rights, expand access to health care, and uphold the democratic values that generations have struggled to secure.

We must continue striving toward the values Juneteenth represents and working together in pursuit of a more perfect union. I’m so grateful I can count on you to do this work with me, John.

Thank you,

Jim