I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this year about my father – and the great legacy he will leave. Since this year’s Father’s Day falls on Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, it seems fitting to share with you my father’s dedication to the fight for equality in the 1960’s.

My dad is a retired Lutheran minister. I watched him fight for civil rights in Detroit alongside community organizers and leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. He taught me the importance of justice and fairness for all. By his example, I became active in my own community and ran for public office so I could make life better for people from all walks of life.

In honor of the second celebration of Juneteenth as an official national holiday, we must all take time to reflect on the injustices of slavery and honor the ongoing fight to end discrimination, violence and racism because Black Lives Matter.

As a father myself, I know that getting older and seeing your children grow up is the greatest joy in life. I will continue to work for equality and fairness until all fathers, and all families, can enjoy the peace and freedom that my father fought for.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad and all amazing fathers and father figures!

Scott