June 19, 2021
Dear Friends,
Today America marks a powerful turning point in our history when, nearly two and a half centuries after the first Black individuals were brought in chains to these shores—the horrific institution of slavery came to a long-overdue end. Juneteenth is one of the oldest commemorations in America marking the full, formal end to slavery. And this year’s celebration feels especially significant.
The story of Juneteenth was born more than 150 years ago on June 19th, 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order Number 3, which stated: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
This declaration was not the first of its kind, coming several years after President Abraham Lincoln’s famed Emancipation Proclamation. Sadly, that declaration was only the beginning of the end—in fact the torture and enslavement of our Black forebears continued for another two and a half years and by the time General Order Number 3 was issued, Lincoln had been assassinated.
Instead, General Order Number 3 stands as one of the last declarations to end slavery, an extraordinary moment when Lincoln’s proclamation would finally echo into the most remote corners of our nation. The last of America's enslaved people would be slaves no more.
Our restorative work in the face of the brutal legacy of slavery is far from finished, and part of that work must include finding and lifting up the voices, stories and incredible contributions of the enslaved people who have long been kept out of the pages of American history.
This week, I proudly joined my colleagues in sweeping bipartisan fashion to pass S. 475, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that at last officially recognizes one of the most powerful and historic days in our history, ensuring this day of both jubilant celebration and truthful, sometimes painful reflection is forever enshrined in our lives.
America has come a long way since that June 19th back in 1865. But we have much further still to go—to address the entwined legacies of systemic racism, racial violence and economic oppression that have remained at the root of our most enduring and powerful institutions, at every level of our government, and spread throughout American life.
Juneteenth gives us a lens to reflect on that history and to trace its threads all the way to the present. It also reminds us to hold out hope for brighter days ahead and encourages us to take heart in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Today we celebrate the triumph of justice over injustice and of freedom over bondage. We mark the resounding strength of the human spirit and recommit ourselves to its care.
Tomorrow we continue the hard work of moving our nation towards a better future and hold fast on the timeless pursuit of a more perfect union for all.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
Throughout this pandemic, my office and I have worked to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations on any and all COVID-19 related topics. With that in mind here is some information about the Child Tax Credit that may be of interest to you:
- Through the passing of the American Rescue Plan the Child Tax Credit has increased in value and scope to further assist families during the ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic. The IRS will begin allowing American families to access these funds in advance, releasing the credit to those who qualify, totaling the six months of aid they would have previously only accessed monthly.
- Starting in July and ending in December, families can receive up to 1,800 dollars for children under six years of age, and 1,500 dollars for children under the age of 18. The remaining half of the payment will become available when the family files their 2021 tax return.
- To assist in the advance process the IRS has created two portals:
- The first portal is created for families who HAVE received either a 2019 or 2020 tax return or filed out an EIP non-filer portal. Here they may report a change to family status, number of children, or change in income as well as opt out of the advance payments entirely.
- The second portal is created for those who HAVE NOT received a 2019 or 2020 tax return, those below the tax threshold, or those who did not complete to EIP non-filer portal. Here they may provide the IRS with information necessary to receive advance payments.
- Payments will be delivered via direct deposit or paper check, click HERE for more information and FAQs.
