Hello,

Today is Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally granted their freedom -- two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

We observe Juneteenth to celebrate freedom and emancipation, to remember our country's history of enslavement and discrimination, to honor the Black community, and to recommit to the fight for freedom and justice for all.

While we've made progress these past 156 years, we're continuing the important work of rooting out systemic racism and addressing the many inequities facing Black Americans.

Creating a world where true justice is real for Black Americans will not come from one jury verdict or the results of one election. It will require systemic change and countless meaningful reforms.

This work will be difficult -- but it will also be critical. That's why I was proud to be an original co-sponsor of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It's why I'll continue to push for reform and accountability within our criminal justice system. It's why I'm pushing to address inequities in health care and education. It's why I'm working to protect voting rights. And it's why I'm fighting for economic opportunity for all Americans.

No one is free until we're all free. Together, we must continue demanding change to address systemic inequities and ensure justice for all.

It's an honor to serve you,

Derek Kilmer