Friend,

This Independence Day, we celebrate freedom. We celebrate not just the freedom for some achieved in 1776, but also the freedom for Black and brown Americans we have fought for every day since.

For hundreds of years, our communities have been fighting to make sure our country fulfills the promise of our democracy: that we would all live free and equal, with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We're not there yet — these past few months have highlighted that — but I'm proud to be a part of the fight for justice, equity, and accountability. And while there is still much work to be done, I hope you can take a moment today to appreciate the progress we have made.

This year, Richmond celebrated Black Independence Day, Juneteenth, as an official holiday for the first time. This year, we also celebrate freedom from our status as the capital of the Confederacy, as we shed the symbols of racism and oppression that have stood over our city for far too long.

Just three days ago, I ordered the removal of all Confederate statues in Richmond. We are no longer that Richmond of the past, and our public monuments should reflect that. More than just changing the symbols we choose to honor, I look forward to listening and working with the community to build a more equitable city in which we are all free.

Friend, I'm not done fighting until we are all equal in the eyes of the law. Together, I know we can make Richmond a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Have a safe holiday weekend,

Levar



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