Friend,

Slavery did not end with the Emancipation Proclamation, and it didn't end when the Civil War did. It ended when Union soldiers liberated the last enslaved people in our country in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865. That is why today we celebrate Juneteenth, the true abolishment of slavery.

The story of Juneteenth reflects the story of Black folks in our country since the beginning -- not being given equal rights even when it is law. The unequal and racist application of our laws has shut Black Americans out of generations of economic opportunity. It has made discrimination in health care, housing, policing, education, and employment institutional. And we can't let Black Americans fight this fight alone.

Our strength as a nation is measured by how well we live up to our boldest ideals. It's no secret that we fall short in many respects. We are not a truly free country until everyone in our community has freedom and equal access to opportunity, so we all have to meet our commemoration of this holiday with action.

I proudly cast my vote this week to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. This recognition is a critical step in the right direction, and I'm inviting you to join me in doing more. Here are additional ways to take action:

• Attend a Juneteenth celebration
• Donate to Black-led organizations
• Support local Black-owned shops and restaurants in Colorado
• Advocate for legislation like the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act
• Speak out against casual and overt racism
• Open up conversations about systemic racism with relatives and friends