Movement family, Happy Emancipation Day. I want to shout out all the ancestors, activists, advocates and historians who worked hard to ensure that Juneteenth would be a holiday that was federally recognized.

Today, let’s lean into community and joy. Let’s pay homage to our ancestors. Let’s pay tribute to their resilience, their radical dreams and their radical work.

Give yourself permission today to be unapologetic in your Black joy.

And tomorrow, we can get back to the work of building a better world. A world where Black joy is our birthright.

Where the legacy that we pass on is one of generational health and wealth.

Where our children and their children can show up in the world fully, authentically and unapologetically — without fear and without discrimination.

Tomorrow, I will continue to bring those closest to the pain, closest to the power. I will unapologetically take up space, using the power of the pen to bring us closer to the emancipation and freedom our ancestors dreamt of and fought so hard for.

But today, I will celebrate Black Joy and freedom.

I’m grateful that we continue recognizing Juneteenth today and remembering that none of us are free until all of us are free. I hope today energizes you and grounds you in the purpose of our work, because yes, there is still much to be done. We’ll do it together.

Happy Juneteenth!

Ayanna