Christine Conley

Happy Juneteenth!
 

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and his troops traveled around Galveston, Texas and read General Order No. 3, which proclaimed that enslaved individuals were free in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation - two years after it was issued by President Lincoln. 

Juneteenth provides an opportunity to celebrate the end of one of the most heinous practices in American history, while also acknowledging the work that needs to be done. Although progress has been made since slavery was eradicated, we still do not live in a post-racial society. Inequality and racism still exist - my colleagues and I in the House have pushed for bills that will address these problems, but legislation is only the first step. Everyone in our community must educate themselves, while also learning how identify and remove these biases. 

I hope you will take a moment today to reflect on our country's troubled past, the progress that has been made, and how we can come together to create a more inclusive future. 

If you'd like to learn more about the history of Juneteenth celebrations, check out this article written by Henry Louis Gates Jr.