John,

Happy Juneteenth!

160 years ago, over two months after the end of the Civil War, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform the still enslaved African Americans of their freedom.

Philly is home to one of the largest annual celebrations in the nation to commemorate, celebrate, and educate about Juneteenth. It is an honor to observe this holiday with so many of you.

We must also continue to acknowledge the struggle Black Americans face against systemic racism, even more than a century after being recognized as full citizens. Juneteenth is a reminder of how hard we’ve worked to ensure that all Americans will have their rights respected — and how much farther we still have to go.

I hope you’ll join me in renewing your dedication to fighting for equality and justice.

Thank you,

Mayor Cherelle Parker