Friends,

On Juneteenth, we commemorate the day that news of freedom reached some of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States.

156 years ago — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing the last remaining slaves the promise of freedom. With limited access to the outside world, slave owners knowingly kept African Americans in bonds, reaping the cruel benefits of inhumane labor and servitude.

Each Juneteenth, I’m reminded of the resiliency of Black Americans in the face of discrimination, violence, and racism. From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, it’s clear the fight for justice and equality is far from over.

Moving forward, Juneteenth will be celebrated as a national holiday. We must use this day to reflect on the injustices of slavery and honor the ongoing fight to achieve the freedom of ALL Americans.

Join me in celebrating the achievements of Black Americans and working to address systemic inequalities. 

Onward,

Scott