Today is Juneteenth and – more so than on any Juneteenth that came before it – it’s imperative to reflect on our nation’s flawed history.
Juneteenth is in many ways the second Independence Day of America. Though the Emancipation Proclamation brought freedom to enslaved Black people on January 1st, 1863, it took more than two years for the news to reach the west.
It was on this day in 1865 that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to share that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free.
John xxxxxx, Juneteenth serves as a reminder that our work continues.
It’s not just about one day. It’s not even about one month. It’s about the ongoing movement for racial equality.
I ran for governor to close the racial wealth gap that has plagued our state for far too long. By fighting child poverty, getting more people access to work, wages, and wealth, and fighting for environmental justice, I know that we can solve some of Maryland's greatest issues.
I’m also proud to have made history by making the largest single mass pardon by a state in this country for cannabis possession. Removing barriers for thousands of Marylanders to everything from employment to education to the ability to buy a home.
But my work is not done. And ours isn’t either.
Loving your country doesn’t mean lying about its history. True patriotism is knowing that we can always be better.
The Bible says, “Faith without work is dead.” And our experiment endures when we put in the work.
So, this Juneteenth, let’s honor and celebrate those that have come before us and recommit to our fight for a better future.
Elevate,
Wes
