John,
I thank God every day to have been blessed with a father like Rev. Jesse Jackson. I could not have asked for a better role model growing up, one who continues to inspire me today. He taught me how to live a life dedicated to honor, courage, and service to others—lessons I have worked to pass on to my own children.
Happy Father’s Day!
Today also marks the second time we celebrate Juneteenth as a federal holiday, but its history stretches back more than 150 years. The first Juneteenth was on June 19, 1866 in Texas, the place where slavery in America had met its final end one year earlier. The liberated Black men and women who commemorated the first anniversary of their liberation treated it as a day of rest and refreshment, a celebration of the joy of that true freedom so long denied to them, their families, and untold millions.
The fact that Juneteenth has been made a federal holiday at long last demonstrates our nation’s progress toward making good on the promise made nearly 250 years ago that the United States would recognize everyone’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But it also reminds us of how hard we have fought to get here, and how much further we must go.
Happy Juneteenth to all. Let us celebrate in the spirit of the first Juneteeth and enjoy this well earned day of rest together, so that we may rise refreshed tomorrow to carry on the fight for justice.
Jonathan
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