Happy Juneteenth, folks.

157 years ago today, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War was over and declare the last enslaved people in the country free at last. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two years earlier – but those in power had hidden the truth from those in bondage.

Since then, June 19th has commemorated the end of slavery in the United States – because we’re not free until all of us are free.

That lesson rings true today. While Juneteenth is a time for joy and celebration, the fight for justice and equality continues.

From voting to pass the bipartisan George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, to supporting black-owned businesses, and showing up at events in my community sponsored by Racial Justice groups, I’m working every day to advance racial equity.

And last year, we officially established Juneteenth as a federal holiday. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of the historic effort to recognize this day and give everyone in our country the chance to celebrate and reflect.

The pain and anguish of slavery can never be undone, and the struggle for equality continues. I’m proud to be in this fight for justice with you.

Wishing you a joy-filled Juneteenth,

Haley Stevens