Dear ,
I stayed up late watching the election results unfold. While some people get their adrenaline rush from the NBA Finals or the Super Bowl, I find myself captivated by witnessing democracy in action—watching real-time updates as millions of citizens exercise their fundamental right to vote. The razor-thin margins in several races serve as a powerful reminder that every single vote truly matters.
This experience of watching democracy unfold reminds me of another pivotal moment in American history that we observe tomorrow: Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver life-changing news: slavery had officially ended—though this announcement came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Recently, I found myself in a meaningful conversation about whether Juneteenth should be observed as a day of solemn commemoration or joyful celebration. I've come to believe there is sacred space for both.
Juneteenth calls us to commemorate a chapter of our nation's history that demands honest acknowledgment. This act of remembrance takes on special significance as our country continues to grapple with debates about how we teach and discuss our past. The most transformative path toward justice begins with courageously confronting all moments in our history—those that inspire us and those that challenge us.
On Juneteenth, we pause to honor the memory of more than 400 years of bondage, remembering the over 15 million men, women, and children who endured the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. We remember approximately 1.8 million lives lost during the brutal Middle Passage. We remember the nearly 3.5 million enslaved people whose lives were forever changed by the Emancipation Proclamation. This act of commemoration becomes a cornerstone of justice work itself. As writer and philosopher George Santayana reminds us, “Those who do not know history are destined to repeat it.”
Juneteenth also invites us into celebration. Across the nation, communities will gather for festivals filled with music, vibrant parades, and traditional foods. The color red—woven throughout Juneteenth celebrations, from strawberry soda to red velvet cake—symbolizes resilience and the blood of ancestors. This is a time to celebrate the triumph of liberation and the unbreakable spirit of those who persevered.
Yet, as we celebrate freedom and justice this week, we must remain mindful of the ongoing struggles in our communities. Families continue to face separation through harsh immigration policies, and systemic inequities persist. The work of liberation remains unfinished. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. powerfully declared, “None of us are free until all of us are free.”
I encourage you to find meaningful ways to both commemorate and celebrate this week. Whether through quiet reflection, community gatherings, or acts of service, Juneteenth offers each of us an opportunity to engage with our shared history and recommit to the ongoing work of justice. Please click the button below to discover Juneteenth events happening across the Commonwealth—and consider joining your neighbors in honoring this significant day. | 
