JOHN,

Today, as a nation, we commemorate Juneteenth. On this day 157 years ago, the last enslaved Americans, in Galveston, Texas, were ordered free under the Emancipation Proclamation.

We commemorate the emancipation of enslaved men, women and children, but recognize that a century and a half later, true freedom, justice and equality are still not fully realized for Black Americans in this country.

From healthcare to education to transportation to housing and much more, deep, systemic inequities still exist. Centuries of slavery left deep scars on our nation, a culture of both overt and covert racism, and systems that have, for too long, served to perpetuate division.

For example, as the horrific shooting in Buffalo recently reminded us, we continue to see the disproportionate targeting and killing of Black Americans. Maternal mortality rates remain three times higher for Black women in this country. And, here in Vermont, the homeownership rate for Black Vermonters is 21% as compared to 70% for white Vermonters.

Reversing these systemic inequities continues to require deep, consistent and proactive work across every area of society and at every level of government.  

Today, I invite Vermonters to join me and communities across the state in a moment of meaningful reflection, recognition and commemoration of this day – how far we’ve come, and how incredibly far we have to go.

Let’s recommit to the critical work that remains in delivering true freedom, equality and justice to Black Americans here in Vermont and across our nation.

Sincerely,

Molly