I believe one of the most important things we can do is accurately and honestly understand our country's past.
Last year, I proudly stood in the United States Capitol — a building built by Black Americans who were enslaved — and voted to make Juneteenth a national holiday. I watched President Biden sign that bill into law. And tomorrow, our nation will officially celebrate Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
Juneteenth was initially celebrated in Galveston, Texas, after Major General Gordon Granger led Union troops into the city to announce the end of the Civil War and President Lincoln's emancipation proclamation formally ending slavery a full two years after both had occurred.
It is a day to celebrate liberation and to remember the ultimate sacrifices made by Union soldiers, notably more than 200,000 Black soldiers, to deliver freedom to those who were formerly enslaved.
No one can erase the truths of our nation’s history. And we cannot distance our past from the present. The legacy of chattel slavery lives on and has shaped, in part, the world we live in today. Recognizing Juneteenth — National Freedom Day — as a national holiday is an important step in addressing injustice.
Today, as we reflect on our past, we must be honest and forthright about troubling parts of our nation's story and recognize the strength and courage of Black Americans. Today, we acknowledge National Freedom Day with an unwavering commitment to a more just society.
Wishing you a joyful celebration of Juneteenth,
Karen
P.S. Juneteenth falling on Father’s Day adds an extra level of reflection to such a special day. Read my thoughts on it here. To all who are celebrating today — both liberation and the ones we love — happy Father’s Day!
PAID FOR BY KAREN BASS FOR MAYOR 2022 – GENERAL
Paid for by Karen Bass for Mayor 2022 - General
777 S Figueroa St
STE 4050
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org.
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