Today is Juneteenth—a holiday that marks the day when enslaved Black people in Galveston, TX got news they were finally free from the inhumane, cruel institution of slavery.

Like many Black Americans, as a descendant of enslaved people, this day has special significance to me and my family. My great-grandfather Charles King and his family were enslaved not 25 miles from my house in Montgomery County. I had the opportunity to stand in the cabin where my ancestors were enslaved with my wife and two daughters -- a moment I will never forget.

It is because my ancestors survived that I am here today. They lived for a future that they could not see. My family went from enslaved in that cabin to serving in the Cabinet of the nation’s first Black president.

On this Juneteenth, we must also remember that our work is not yet done. Though we may now have a federal holiday, we also have states actively working to ban teaching about our full history -- an egregious attempt to erase our ancestors’ stories. We cannot afford to allow them to succeed. Our students deserve to know the truth to make a better tomorrow.

We must all remain committed to dismantling systemic racism & advancing justice.

I still believe that in Maryland and nationwide, we can achieve a more equitable future.

I wish you all a very reflective Juneteenth,

John B. King Jr.