Friend,

On June 19, 1865, the word of freedom finally reached Galveston, Texas — over two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Today — on Juneteenth — we celebrate the history, culture, and resilience of the Black community.

On Wednesday, I voted in favor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act — and President Biden signed it into law, making Juneteenth a national holiday.

This is an important first step, but it is not nearly enough to fight the systemic racism Black Americans face today.

Just as we needed to make Juneteenth a national holiday, we need to ensure access to the ballot for all by passing the For the People and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Acts, pass the Justice in Policing Act, and keep working to produce substantial changes, not just symbolic ones.

We will keep working together towards true equity.

Happy Juneteenth!

Carolyn Bourdeaux