Juneteenth:

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth -- which not only marks the liberation of enslaved people within our country's borders, but serves as a reminder of new beginnings and the possibility of hope for the future.

Jason, One hundred and fifty eight years ago today -- more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued -- Union soldiers rode into Galveston, Texas, where they informed hundreds of thousands of enslaved African Americans that the Civil War was over. While delayed, they were finally granted freedom. Today, we commemorate this day as Juneteenth -- which not only marks the liberation of enslaved people in America, but serves as a reminder of new beginnings and the possibility of hope for the future. On June 19, 1865, newly freed slaves didn't know what awaited them outside of slavery, but they knew they finally had the opportunity to pursue a better life for themselves, their families and loved ones, and the generations that would follow. Today, as the Black community continues to face immense trials and heartache, we recognize the meaningful progress we've made, and move forward with the same hope our ancestors had as we continue our fight for a more perfect union. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, Jason, and many of the same barriers our ancestors faced remain. Systemic racism and white supremacy remain all too prevalent in our society and institutions. But, deep down, we can -- and must -- still channel the hope of a better future and use that to drive our work to build a better America. Thank you and happy Juneteenth, Jaime Jaime Harrison Chair Democratic National Committee Manage how often you receive DNC emails, by filling out this form. If you no longer wish to receive emails from the DNC, submit this form to unsubscribe. If you're ready to elect Democrats in all 50 states, territories, and D.C., make a contribution today. Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible. Paid for by the Democratic National Committee, www.Democrats.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.