.png)
Concord, N.H. – Today in observation of Juneteenth, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley and the Co-Chairs of the New Hampshire Democratic Party's African American Caucus, State Senator Melanie Levesque of Brookline and Honorable Jackie K. Weatherspoon of Exeter, released the following statement: “Today we acknowledge Juneteenth, the holiday marking when news that slavery had been abolished reached Galveston, Texas two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, we must also remember that our fight for equality and justice for Black Americans is far from over. The unfortunate reality is that systemic racism is still a part of daily American life. Across New Hampshire and across the nation, we have watched as systemic racism has led to the death and disenfranchisement of Black Americans. Police brutality is systemic racism. Voter suppression is systemic racism. The pay gap is systemic racism. Lack of affordable housing is systemic racism. “That’s why together we are marching, we are speaking up, and we are working to put a stop to the generations of systemic racism. We all must commit to doing our part - even when it’s uncomfortable or hard - to end discrimination, bigotry, and racism in our communities, our state, and our country. “This Juneteenth we celebrate, we remember, and we continue to move forward. We join together to say that Black lives matter, and we will continue to honor that statement as we work together to reshape our country. Today, tomorrow, this year, and for years to come we will recognize Juneteenth and recognize the contributions Black Americans have made and will continue to make to our history, to our culture, and to our country.” Watch a video from the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s African American Caucus to commemorate Juneteenth and acknowledge the progress that still needs to be made for Black Americans here.
###