Hi John,
Happy Independence Day!
Today we celebrate our nation’s 245th birthday since gaining independence. On a holiday like today, I’m mindful of what freedom really means to many Americans.
Independence and liberty for all were not achieved in 1776. Instead, it took centuries to realize true freedom — for Black people, women, LGBTQ+ communities, and so many more marginalized groups.
It’s why last month we celebrated Juneteenth — honoring the emancipation of slaves in Texas and the struggle for Black liberation.
And it’s why we celebrated Pride last month — commemorating the Stonewall Uprising led by trans women of color and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
On this day, I’m proud of how far we’ve come as a nation and all the progress we’ve made so far. But John, our work is not over.
We have so much work to do to live up to our values of justice and equality — to lift folks out of poverty, ensure everyone is paid a living wage, provide affordable health care to all, protect Black and brown lives, expand LGBTQ+ rights, and so much more.
Thank you for all you do to lift up our values and make our nation a better place.
I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy Independence Day!
In solidarity,
Barbara Lee
