Dear Friend,

Today, I proclaimed June 19^th as Juneteenth Celebration Day in Michigan. On this day, we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and recommit ourselves to fighting for a Michigan where everyone can thrive.  

On June 19^th, 1865, the U.S. Army finally freed 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation. The 13th Amendment, which officially abolished slavery, was ratified later that year.

On Juneteenth, we reflect and uplift stories of Black Michiganders who have made invaluable contributions to our state’s economy, culture, and history. Michiganders across our state will observe the day with celebrations, events, and time with friends and family. Last week, I was honored to kick off our Juneteenth celebrations at the governor’s residence with state and community leaders.

As Michiganders, let’s participate in recognizing Juneteenth and celebrate African American history and culture while continuing to promote diversity, equality, and a strong sense of community in our state. I encourage Michiganders to use this day to celebrate and learn more about Black history.

Today, let’s reflect on our history and renew our commitment to building a state where every Michigander can thrive.

Sincerely,

Making Michigan a Place Where Everyone Can Thrive

Since I took office, we have been focused on making Michigan a more equitable place by expanding opportunity and investing in communities in every region of the state. I am proud that we have declared Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan, and I am grateful that, in 2021, it became a federal holiday.

This June is the two-year anniversary of my signing of the bipartisan CROWN Act to end hair discrimination in Michigan. Everyone deserves to show up as their full, authentic self without fear of being punished for how their hair grows or how they choose to wear it. I am proud that we took action to protect Black Michiganders from hair discrimination, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to dignity and respect for all.

My administration is committed to building a state where every Michigander can work, live, and raise a family. In 2020, I created the Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) to identify barriers in the Black community in education, community safety, health, and business leadership. Since then, BLAC has served as an instrumental tool as we work to close racial equity gaps by establishing initiatives like the Racial Disparities Task Force and enacting policies to build a more inclusive Michigan, like the CROWN Act.

Let's keep working together to build a state where every Michigander, no matter who they are or where they live, can thrive.