Public Statement 6/17/21

Observing Juneteenth with Action

6/17/2021 – Yesterday evening, the United States House of Representatives passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (S. 475), officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, will now head to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

Recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a necessary and long overdue acknowledgment of our country’s true history. It does not, however, absolve our nation of our injustices. It reminds us, rather, of the work yet to be done to ensure equity, establish justice, and accomplish true liberation.

For those seeking to honor and recognize the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act with direct action, please consider contacting members of Congress and the Ohio General Assembly. We must push for meaningful and comprehensive legislation to dismantle white supremacy by ending police brutality and state violence against Black lives and stopping attempts to restrict access to the ballot for BIPOC voters, and we must invest in BIPOC communities.

Action items for your consideration:

• Voting Rights – Tell Congress to pass the For The People Act (S.1)
• Voting Rights -Voice your opposition to voter suppression in Ohio (HB 294)
• Civil Liberties – Stop anti-protest legislation in the Ohio House (HB 109 and HB 22)
• Budget – Stop discriminatory provisions in Ohio’s budget
• Policing – Tell the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act
•  Register voters with Equitas Health

In solidarity,

 

Jasmine Marks, EdD

Director of Diversity & Inclusion

She/Her

 

Zach McCune

Public Policy & Civic Engagement Manager

He/Him