John,
As we mark Juneteenth today, we do so with heavy hearts—still mourning the tragic loss of Minnesota House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. In this moment of profound grief, Juneteenth reminds us of how far we’ve come and how much remains in the pursuit of justice, equity, and a democracy that truly represents all of us.
160 years ago today, commanders in the United States Army ordered the full enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas—the last holdout of the Civil War. Every year since, Juneteenth has been celebrated as the end of slavery in the former Confederacy. For many in Texas and across the country, it was a time of celebration and hope for the promise of a democracy that includes everyone.
But Juneteenth wasn't the end of slavery in the United States. That wouldn't happen until the passage of the 13th Amendment in December 1865. And it would be years more before Black Americans were recognized as full citizens and Black men won the right to vote.
Even after the progress of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Era, the healing of the scars left by slavery has been slow and fragile—like our journey toward the ideal of a true multiracial democracy.
The fight is far from over. Today, as the threat of authoritarianism and political violence grows, and the current administration continues its attacks on civil rights and our democratic institutions, the promise of Juneteenth feels more urgent than ever. We must stand united to defend and expand our democracy.
At FairVote Minnesota, we will continue to do our part to build a safer, more inclusive, and more just, democracy by working to give voters more voice and more power through Ranked Choice Voting. We hope that you'll continue that work with us in the year ahead—and together, we can help bring our state and country one step closer to fulfilling the promise of Juneteenth.
With resolve,
Team FairVote Minnesota
P:S: Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth today on West Broadway in North Minneapolis from 12-6pm. Let’s celebrate the joy of this holiday with our community!
