Happy Juneteenth, New York!

I had a great time at the Buffalo Juneteenth Parade this weekend.

160 years ago, enslaved people in Texas finally learned of their freedom — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued

Juneteenth is about celebrating freedom, but it’s also about facing the truth that freedom in this country has never come easily – and it still hasn’t come for everyone.

Today we ask ourselves: what does freedom look like in 2025?

Freedom means affordable housing, getting the best education for your kids, and the ability to get a good-paying job and support your family with an honest day’s work.

While politicians in Washington stand in the way of freedom, in New York, we are standing up and fighting for opportunity for every community.

As we celebrate Juneteenth today, we double down on the work that still needs to be done to achieve true freedom and justice for all.

I am committed to that fight, and I hope you will join me.

Ever Upward,

Governor Kathy Hochul