Hey John,

Today is Juneteenth, and that is significant for many reasons. Our country was founded on slavery, and even had it written into the Constitution, under the ⅗ Compromise. This horrific institution would endure for almost 250 years despite the attempts of brave men and women to end it. It was not until April 9, 1865, when the Civil War ended (almost two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed) that slavery officially ended.

Unfortunately, not all slaves were freed on that date. The news would not reach the men and women in bondage in Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865. Consequently, June 19th - or Juneteenth - became the unofficial mark of the end of slavery for many African American men and women. One hundred and fifty-five years later, Juneteenth is a day for all Americans to commemorate this somber anniversary. We've made great strides in the fight for racial justice, but also recognize there is still so much more to do.

This year, Juneteenth also brings about a new sense of urgency. The recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and so many other Black Americans have laid bare the racial disparities and inequities that still exist today. To this day, unarmed Black Americans are twice as likely to be killed by police than white Americans, and account for nearly 40% of incarcerated individuals, despite representing only 13% of the national population.

We must reckon with the systemic racism that exists in America and look within ourselves to root out our own biases, in order to change it -- and, we must act now.

Chris is taking action by co-sponsoring the Justice in Policing Act, sweeping legislation introduced by Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, as well as members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Will you join Chris, and a growing number of Americans calling for reform of police tactics, by adding your name as a citizen co-sponsor of the Justice in Policing Act? →

Become a Citizen Co-Sponsor >> [link removed]

We hope you'll join us in celebrating this Juneteenth, by taking action!

Thank you,

Team Coons

Become a Citizen Co-Sponsor >> [link removed]


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