John,

I want to wish you a Happy Juneteenth! We have been blessed with a beautiful day in Philly to come together with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate.

On this day, 157 years ago, the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas were liberated from bondage. It took over two years for the news of Lincoln’s proclamation to reach Galveston. Nevertheless, the 250,000 formerly enslaved Texans embraced their freedom and established June 19 as Juneteenth — our Independence Day.

This day marked the end of over 200 years of brutal enslavement and the beginning of a long road to true freedom and prosperity. Those brave Americans left their shackles behind and began to forge a new life — reuniting with their family members, building schools, running for political office, and creating a bedrock for future generations of Black Americans.

As we celebrate today, let us recognize our ancestors' incredible sacrifice. Let us uncover the truths of our nation’s past and the breadth of contributions made by Black Americans to our nation’s benefit.

Last year, I had the pleasure of voting with the majority of my colleagues in the House to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. It was a long time coming. The truth is: there is so much more to be done.

The repercussions and reverberations of past injustices have led to inequalities in education, housing, health care, criminal justice policy, generational wealth, and policing practices. Countless public institutions remain deeply rooted in the continuing economic implications of slavery.

It's time Congress holds a comprehensive conversation about reparations for slavery and Jim Crow legal oppression. Reparations for the descendants of the enslaved are a tangible and necessary next step in committing to the values and promises outlined in our founding documents.

Know that I will never stop fighting for justice and equality for all.

Happy Juneteenth,

Dwight


 

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