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John, I wanted to take a moment and reflect with you on what Juneteenth means to me today - the progress we have made and the progress we will continue to make.
A little bit about my story: I grew up during segregation in North Carolina. During much of my childhood, we were often not allowed to coexist in the same spaces as white people - whether it be at school, in a restaurant, at church, and more. We were taught not even to look white folks directly in the eye. We’ve all heard the phrase “separate but equal” - but I can attest that nothing was equal.
I only started attending school with white classmates for the first time when I was 13 years old. Despite our new books and friends, the transition from segregation to integration was far from equitable. We conducted sit-ins to advocate for the allowance of Black students into the cheer squad, reliable buses to and from school, and for at least one Black marshall at graduation. Progress was slow, but we kept advocating for ourselves.
Mine is just one of many stories which demonstrate progress and the power of many. As we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black people in America today, it is critical that we celebrate the progress we have made and will continue to make.
It is important, today more than ever before, that we reflect on our history so as to not repeat the errors of our past. We are living in a moment where the rights and freedoms of marginalized people in this country are being threatened by the Trump administration. Rather than cowering, we can use our history to rise up and continue to fight for progress not only for Black people, but for all of us. We have the power of many on our side - we can show them that we are bigger than our differences and fight for what is right.
I taught my children to look people in the eyes, to smile at them and offer a handshake, instead of conditioning them to look away. I want them to teach their children the same, and their children’s children after them. I want them to know that we have much more in common than we have differences, no matter the color of their skin.
We know we still have plenty of work to do, and I’m honored to be doing that work with you and for you in Congress. Today, we will celebrate the progress we have made and how far we have come in our fight for racial justice. Tomorrow, we will continue our work.
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to reflect on Juneteenth with me.
– Valerie Foushee
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Valerie is fighting to protect access to health care, working families, and to reform our criminal justice system.
But she needs your help to continue to do this great work in Congress. Your donation right now will help protect Democrat Valerie Foushee by giving us a jumpstart on the next cycle.
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