Hi John --

I'm Erick Russell, Vice Chair of the Connecticut Democratic
Party. Today is Juneteenth, and all of us at CT Dems are
reflecting on the significance of this day and the transformation
that is currently taking place across this country.

For those who don't know, Juneteenth is the longest running
national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United
States. Since 1865, every June 19th has been a celebration of
Black Americans and their perseverance in the face of injustice.

As we all know, Black Americans are still fighting for their
lives, families, and communities to this day. Throughout this
month, sustained mass protests have erupted nationwide, in big
cities and small towns alike, to demand a permanent end to the
systemic oppression and murder of Black Americans at the hands of
police.

The video of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis is just the
latest example of our nation's long history of brutalizing Black
Americans. The injustices that we are now marching against have
been here for centuries, and we must fight to make 2020 the year
when it all began to permanently change.

Already, these protests have resulted in real change taking
place throughout the country -- from symbolic acts like the
dismantling of racist statues, to the passage of concrete
legislation to transform policing and address the systemic racism
present throughout so many American institutions.

In Connecticut, Governor Lamont has signed an executive order to
ban chokeholds, require police officers to step in when they
witness excessive force from other police, demilitarize
Connecticut's police force, and require body cameras and dash
cams for all police.

And soon, the Connecticut legislature will take on the issue of
transforming policing in our state through a special legislative
session.

John: we must demand action. Together, we can
achieve justice for all, but we can't wait any longer to act. In
this historic moment in American history, please join Connecticut
Democrats in standing against systemic racism by taking whatever
action you can to demand justice.

Here is a list of upcoming protests against racial injustice
that are taking place in Connecticut today and in the days ahead.
If you are able to, please make plans to safely attend one of
these important protests.
( [link removed] )


Join A Protest
( [link removed] )


Please stay safe by wearing a mask, maintaining social
distancing by staying a minimum of 6 feet from others in
accordance with Connecticut's latest guidelines, and looking out
for each other.

Thank you,

Erick Russell

Connecticut Democratic Party Vice ChairPaid for by the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee, www.ctdems.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
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