Dear John Today is Juneteenth, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when more than a quarter-million people enslaved people in Texas learned that they had gained their freedom two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Now, 155 years later, people of color in America are still waiting for liberation--from oppressive systems that have left communities reeling from a combination of violence and the COVID-19 pandemic, systems that abuse and brutalize when they should protect, systems that sit by when Black Americans are 10 times more likely to die by gun homicide than white Americans. Today, we invite you to join us on National Day of Healing to address the layers of trauma, devastation, loss, and broken-heartedness that communities are experiencing. During this monumental event, organizers will honor and memorialize loved ones lost and teach self-care techniques to help all of us heal and gather strength for the difficult times ahead. States United to Prevent Gun Violence is honored to be a sponsor of this event. For information on the National Day of Healing and additional events happening today and this weekend, please visit: We cannot counter gun violence without calling out the racism that allows it to flourish in communities of color. We must support the people who are directly impacted and prepare ourselves for the work to come. With the hope that we can move forward with care and action. Moving forward, Clai Lasher-Sommers Executive Director | |
