Hello,

On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas learned the Civil War was over and slavery had ended in the United States.

Today, a day now known as Juneteenth, is the annual and longest-known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and is a day to celebrate freedom, honor the progress made toward equity, and recommit to the work ahead.

Over the past 157 years, true equity following emancipation has yet to be achieved. Not only have we seen how difficult progress toward equity is, but we have seen day in and day out that equal justice for all cannot wait even one more day.

In the U.S. today, inequity persists in our day-to-day lives and through the systems our country runs on. From increased instances of police brutality to growing rates of maternal mortality experienced by Black mothers. From racial injustice to a deep racial wealth gap.

That’s not freedom. 

So long as those barriers to equity remain, so must our commitment to justice.

Today is a time to reflect on history, but also a time to make sure we continue marching, voting, organizing, protesting, and fighting until the promise of equal justice is fulfilled for all.

Whether you speak up against voter suppression or donate to an organization fighting for racial justice, commit to taking action today.

Lavora Barnes
Chair, Michigan Democratic Party