Juneteenth commemorates the day when the last group of enslaved Americans learned of their emancipation. While we still have light-years to come to achieve true racial parity, we recognize this day as the first step in correcting a great evil.
Today holds special power for me as an Afro-Latina woman running for office in Richmond, once the seat of the Confederacy. I know that one-hundred, even fifty, years ago my election would not have been possible, and we must recognize that progress even as Governor Glenn Youngkin is working to gloss over and erase our Black voices and experiences from history.
As my family and I celebrate our newest federal holiday, I reflect on the fact that Juneteenth is a celebration of our freedoms and the hope for change. As your next Senator for the 33rd District, I know that change will not come fast enough. We must work and continue to fight to create a just and welcoming Commonwealth, and that is exactly what I am committed to doing.
I wish you and yours a happy and safe Juneteenth.
In solidarity,
Hala Ayala
Paid for by Hala for State Senate
Hala for State Senate P.O. Box 7434 Woodbridge, VA 22195 United States
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