Hello —

As we commemorate Juneteenth and the end of institutional slavery in the United States this weekend, we must recognize that the fight for justice and equality is far from over. Black Americans still experience racism and oppression, and we must recommit ourselves to fighting for a more just future for all.

In the Senate, I co-sponsored bipartisan legislation with many of my colleagues to make Juneteenth an official federal holiday as a critical step toward recognizing our nation’s painful history.

Over the last year, we have mourned the deaths of many Black Americans like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many others. We’ve seen peaceful protests and had tough conversations with friends and family as we work together as a nation to heal and demand equality and freedom for all Americans.

Making Juneteenth a federal holiday shows that America is united behind healing the racial challenges our country faces while acknowledging a painful history that’s been whitewashed for too long. That’s why there was overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation.

We can advance equality and build a fairer world that respects and honors the diversity that makes us strong.

These are challenging days and the path to justice has never been easy — but when we’ve stood united as a country, we’ve won.

Thanks.

— Ben Ray