Today is Juneteenth — a celebration of Black freedom in America. It also commemorates when enslaved people in Texas actually learned they were free. All across the country, Black communities are coming together to celebrate our culture, our history, and our victories. And today, I want us to take this moment to recognize and remember, because those who don't remember the past are destined to repeat it.
Since the day we launched this campaign, I made it a pillar of this platform to call for Juneteenth to be a federal holiday. And this is just the second year we've recognized this historic day as a federal holiday since waiting 156 years for Juneteenth's recognition.
But, we cannot afford to wait another 156 years for reparations, housing justice, environmental justice, or equality. Our symbolic victories are not enough when we have so many people fighting to keep the status-quo intact.
In the midst of today's celebration, Black and allied voices are continuing to stand up and speak out against the legislative atrocities and systemic inequities that continue to wreak havoc on our country.
Atrocities like the spread of The Great Replacement Theory are used to support white supremacy. The use of Critical Race Theory limit discussions around racism and slavery in the United States and propagate fear-based biases. The deep inequities that run rampant in America's for-profit health care system leave Black Americans without proper access to health care. And Black and brown neighborhoods are continually subjected to over policing, over-pollution, under-funding.
As an educator, I live by the duty of our teachers, counselors, and staff to shape the minds and hearts of our students so that they grow into well-rounded advocates for justice and equality.
That's why I'm not only dedicating my time in Congress to bring long overdue symbolic change, but also for concrete and tangible progress for racial equality in our country. From fighting for the full Build Back Better Agenda to truly address the crisis we face and provide financial solutions, to my most recent House Resolution 1152 to end white supremacy in our democracy, I will not stop until we see tangible and meaningful change.
I have made it my mission in Congress to dismantle the pillars of racism and injustice that continue to impact our democracy. If you are with me in this fight, please support our movement with a contribution of any amount so that we can continue this necessary work.
This Juneteenth, I urge all of us all to take a moment and reaffirm ourselves to the fight for true freedom, justice, and equality for all people. Thank you for fighting alongside me and the millions of activists who are fighting for our values.
Peace and love,
Jamaal Bowman
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