Dear John,

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to put an end to slavery in the United States. However, for many, this did not truly end slavery in our country. Two years later, on June 19, 1865, this news was finally delivered to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. In the decades since, many states have come to recognize the significance of this day, Juneteenth.   

Juneteenth is a time of celebration and commemoration of freedom. It prompts us to acknowledge our history and recognize the progress our country has made since the end of the Civil War.  

Last year, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday. I am happy to have cosponsored this legislation and join in celebration of this important holiday with the rest of the nation. We would not be here without the tireless work of elders like Ms. Opal Lee, and leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus, who helped make this holiday a reality.  

We still have a long way to go to fulfill the promise of equality for all Americans, but we have made progress this year. We finally passed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which after long last makes lynching a federal hate crime. The House this Congress again passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and we will continue to work and pressure for both to be passed by the Senate.  

On Friday, I joined the State of Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity for the first Juneteenth Flag Raising ceremony at the State Capitol.

While Juneteenth remains a time for serious reflection on our path to progress, it also is a moment to mark and celebrate the joy and resilience of  our communities. I urge you to spend time with your loved ones doing the same.  
 

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress