Black Lives Matter. Black Healing Matters. Black Joy Matters.

 

My family and I have celebrated Juneteenth for decades, but this year marks only the 2nd year that Juneteenth will be observed as a federal holiday.

Some may wonder, what is the significance of this day and why is national recognition long overdue and notable? It matters, because as we celebrate Juneteenth—the emancipation of my enslaved ancestors—it is a truth-telling reminder of our nation's history and founding, but also of what is possible.

When enslaved Black people and allies began the work of abolition, many considered the goal of freedom an improbable or impossible one.

But because of their imaginations and sacrifice, it did happen. And while we recognize that our fight for equity and justice continues today, on this day, we celebrate the Black family, our culture, melanin, resilience, brilliance, and our joy.

We affirm our humanity. We are more than hashtags, sobering statistics, deficits, disparities, and gaps. We are more than our labor, the resistance, and justice-seekers.

From the heart of Texas to kitchen tables in Roxbury, we celebrate the dedicated coalition of Black folx who organized to make this celebration a federal holiday.

Black Lives Matter. Black Healing Matters. Black Joy Matters. Happy Juneteenth.

In solidarity,

Ayanna Pressley

 

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