Greetings!
Happy Juneteenth!
Today is the oldest national celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It is a celebration of freedom from oppression, and the resilience and resolve of the Black community. Just this week, Juneteenth was made a
federal holiday.
We know that when the United States declared independence, not all of its people were made free. We also know that with the end of the Civil War in 1865, freedom wasn't suddenly guaranteed to everyone. The truth is, freedom must be fought for, worked toward, and renewed by every generation of Americans - and it does not come easy.
At LA Civil Rights, we believe in furthering that freedom - freedom from discrimination, freedom from oppression, and freedom from the systemic inequities that keep the Black community and many other communities from thriving. We know our work never truly ends, and we're fortunate that there are so many others in this fight with us.
But today is about celebration. We hope you celebrate the freedom we've won and the progress we continue to push forward. It's an honor to stand with you and serve our diverse city.
Keep the faith and keep the fight,
- Capri Maddox
Executive Director,
Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department