LCLAA Commemorates Juneteenth

Washington, DC - Today, the nation and our LCLAA community celebrate Juneteenth. We commemorate the anniversary of enslaved Black individuals in Galveston, TX learning of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. 

This day has long been celebrated but only became a federally recognized holiday last year. Together we can take this time to pause and consider the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community. We may also take this day to reflect more deeply on the anti-Blackness that has permeated our country’s history.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration, but many carry a weight with them each day. Black members in our communities continue to face racism and discrimination. Sadly we have witnessed this to horrifying degrees with the recent shooting in Buffalo, New York. The Latino community has a long history of colorism and anti-Blackness, which has harmed Latinos with deeper skin tones and our Afro-Latinos brothers and sisters, who comprise 24% of the Latino population. 

LCLAA has been steadfast in its commitment to equity and inclusion since its inception. LCLAA will continue pushing the government and the current administration to address the systemic racism that plagues federal policy. We must take action as individuals and as an organization to create supportive and anti-racist environments where all community members can feel welcomed.