On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, a final end to slavery was announced, even though President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation years earlier.

On June 19, 2020, we celebrate Juneteenth to commemorate this event as protests against police brutality and racial injustice are occurring in communities all across our state and country.

Formally ending enslavement was an undeniable step toward justice in our country. But nearly 160 years later, we still have work to do to fulfill the promise of freedom for Black people in the United States.

We’re committed to being allies and advocates in the fight for justice at A Better Wisconsin Together.

We’re commemorating Juneteenth by asking you to join in. You can:

• Donate to Black & Indigenous & People of Color groups fighting for social justice in our communities, if you’re able;
• Protest police brutality and injustice in our communities and speak up against racism when you encounter it;
• Register to vote & cast your ballot in federal, state & local elections for leaders who center criminal justice reform and anti-racism platforms;
• Educate yourself on systematic and institutional racism.

Black Lives Matter. Everyone ought to be able to be free to succeed and move about our communities without fear. But until this is the reality, and not just an aspiration, we have work to do.

So take a minute on this Juneteenth to think about how you can help.

Thanks for all you do.
A Better Wisconsin Together