John,

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, marking the beginning of the end of slavery in the United States. However, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, months after the end of the Civil War, that this news finally reached the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas and the last slaves learned they were free.

We celebrate Juneteenth to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States, and to honor the memory of enslaved Black Americans and their resiliency. While this day is a tribute to how far we’ve come, it also serves as a reminder of how far we still have to go for full lived equality. I’m proud to have voted this week in Congress to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, so we can continue to celebrate and remember this day.

Nearly 160 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, we're still working to heal the deep wounds and systemic problems that are a consequence of 400 years of slavery, racism, and inequality on our soil. In our criminal justice system, schools, hospitals, and economy, Black Americans face discrimination and inequity every day.

Over the last year, people from across the country have united their voices in the call for justice and equity. These protests became one of the largest movements in American history, but we have a ways to go to live up to the promise of equality made in our Constitution.

As we celebrate Juneteenth today, and commemorate the end of a dark period in our nation's history, I hope you will join me in recommitting to the fight for equality.

Thank you,

Kim