Hey John,

I wanted to take a moment to email you because this is not just a regular Sunday; it’s Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. Specifically, it recognizes the day in 1865 in which Black, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

It is a day of resistance, freedom, and joy. It also reminds us of where we have been and how far we have left to go. I got my start in public service after witnessing the inequities facing Black and Brown children in our school system. I fought to change that on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board and pledge to continue that fight in Congress.

If there’s one thing working in public service over the years has taught me, it’s that progress is not linear. But, when we come together and work hard: We can accomplish big things. I am proud to be running on a bold agenda to champion voting rights, transform our criminal justice system, improve access to healthcare, and pass the Green New Deal. All these issues are intersectional, and we must fight for all of them to create a better world in the future.

I hope you can take some time today to reflect on this important history.

In solidarity,