John,

Today, people across the country are celebrating -- many for the first time -- Juneteenth. This day commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last men and women living in bondage were freed, just down the road in Galveston, Texas.

This day is so important, especially now, because it serves as a reminder of the inequities on which our country was founded and the need for us to continue perfecting our union.

We all know the effects of enslavement, Jim Crow, and the countless other inequalities perpetrated on Black people in American history continue to reverberate throughout the African-American community. And it is everyone’s job to work toward righting these historical wrongs.

In Congress, I will be an advocate for African-Americans and all people who have historically felt neglected by their political leaders. I released a detailed plan for reforming our law enforcement and criminal justice system to ensure equal protection under the law, including banning chokeholds, abolishing the cash bail system, and preventing the militarization of police, along with many other reforms.

But today is not about me. Today, I’m not asking you to donate to my campaign. I’m asking you to support the Black men and women in your community. Get take-out food from a Black-owned restaurant, support Black-owned companies, and stand in solidarity with the peaceful protesters that have been demanding justice for the Black men and women killed by police.

If we don’t back up our words with actions, nothing will truly change.

In solidarity,

Kim Olson