Happy Juneteenth, John.

Today, it’s important that we reflect on the history of this holiday. On June 19, 1865, the last of the enslaved Black men and women in the South gained their freedom.

On this day federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX to ensure all remaining enslaved people within the state had been freed — nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed into law.

It’s also important to acknowledge that while this holiday is celebrated as the end of slavery, that’s not entirely the case. Some Union states like Kentucky kept enslaved Americans until the ratification of the 13th Amendment.

As we reflect on and celebrate the long-overdue freedom of our Black peers, we must also acknowledge the years of struggle the Black community has faced in their continued fight for equity.

Though we have come a long way in our nation’s history, people of color — especially Black Americans — continue to face economic challenges, greater health risks, and a discriminatory criminal justice system. On top of all this, Republicans have started a nation-wide effort to restrict voting rights in a way that will be especially restrictive for communities of color.

As we celebrate today and reflect on our country’s history, I promise you that I am committed to fighting to protect the rights of all Americans. And our fight won’t stop until every person in this country is treated equally and given the same opportunities, regardless of the color of their skin.

Making Juneteenth a federal holiday was a start, but we are a long way from finished.

Have a happy Juneteenth, John, and a safe holiday weekend.

— Rep. Eric Swalwell
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