John – 

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth as a national holiday to mark the anniversary of independence for the millions of Black Americans who were held in the bondage of slavery. Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations in Black communities across the country. But in 2021, it was finally recognized as a national holiday. I proudly cast my vote last year to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and joined President Biden as he signed the bill into law.

This day is important because on June 19th, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received the news that they had been freed – OVER TWO YEARS after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. As we celebrate this day, we must reflect and reaffirm our commitment to the promise of equality.

Communities across the country still experience delays in implementing policy or feel the impact of access to opportunities. From income inequality to opportunity gaps, this history persists in our present moment. But we can work collectively to improve outcomes for all Americans and create a better future for our country.

That is why I am proud of my work in Congress to break down barriers and close long-standing gaps – in voting rights, health care access, education, civil rights and more. Legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act push our nation toward true equality and freedom for all.

So I am writing to you on this joyful Juneteenth holiday weekend to remind you that we still have work to do. Our history is not perfect, but together we can work towards a more perfect union.

Let’s celebrate how far we have come today and commit to working together and moving forward.

With gratitude,

– Jahana