John,

This Juneteenth marks the 160th celebration of the end of slavery in this nation, after the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas were liberated. Since then, we have made significant strides in the expansion of civil rights: we have outlawed segregation, integrated our economy and done important work to realize and protect the precious right to vote.

Nonetheless, even 160 years later, racism and its ugly legacy remain a part of the soil of our great nation.

Our neighborhoods and schools are still subject to de facto segregation, and schools with majority Black American populations are less likely to receive adequate funding and support. Our justice system is a continuation of this systemic bias. Under the guise of public safety, we arrest and incarcerate Black Americans five times as often as White Americans for the exact same crimes.

These realities directly contradict American ideals.


I fight hard for equality alongside my peers in Congress, but (as evidenced by the history of Juneteenth), policy only goes so far as implementation—and President Trump chooses to villainize our accomplishments, demonize our contributions, and seeks to destroy all of the progress our country has made.

And so, on this anniversary of Juneteenth, I believe the best way to celebrate the community and honor our past is to take deliberate action to make our country a just and equitable home for all Americans today and into the future.


Today, would you add your name and stand alongside me and the rest of the Congressional Black Caucus as we fight to level the playing field for all Americans by signing my petition?

[BUTTON- ADD YOUR NAME]

Thank you,
Hank Johnson

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