Friend,

On June 19, 1865, word finally reached Galveston, Texas, that all who were enslaved were now free – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. For many Black folks, this is our Independence Day – Juneteenth – the day we mark the true start of our freedom.

As we all know, it took decades of fighting for justice, reform, and change to get us where we are today – and recent events prove we are still in this fight together. The past three weeks have been one of the most challenging periods of my mayoralty. Frankly, one of the most challenging periods of my life.

I've felt caught between the desire to march, yell, fight my way to justice as a Black man, and my role as leader of this city. A role I take incredibly seriously. I'm not alone in this feeling, and I know we will get through this together and be better for it.

For the first time in Virginia’s history, Juneteenth is celebrated as a holiday today. Just this week, Governor Northam declared Juneteenth a holiday. Richmond will also celebrate Juneteenth as a holiday, and I encourage everyone to use this as a day of reflection, service, and healing.

Please have a safe Juneteenth, and remember: we are not free until everyone is free. I will keep fighting.

Thank you,

Levar







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