Democratic Women’s Caucus Leadership Commemorates Juneteenth; Calls out Attacks on Black Women

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Vice Chairs Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) released the following statement in commemoration of Juneteenth.

On Juneteenth, we mark the second Independence Day of our country—the 160th anniversary of the liberation of enslaved African Americans in Texas, who finally learned they were free in 1865.

“Today on Juneteenth, we celebrate the end of slavery and honor Black women’s tremendous contributions to our nation’s culture and history. From Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman to bell hooks and Toni Morrison, Black women have contributed to and shaped American history for centuries. 

While Juneteenth is a celebration of the liberation from centuries of bondage, it also serves as a reminder of the painful history of slavery endured by countless women, men, and children—a history from which the effects are still felt by their descendants 160 years later. Black women in America still receive worse health care, make less money, and face greater barriers to voting than white women.  

This year, Juneteenth is especially somber as the Trump administration destroys programs and agencies designed to eliminate discrimination and advance opportunities in the workplace, at schools, and in our communities. These cuts are a direct attack on Black communities and they hurt everyone. We know that lifting up Black Americans makes our whole country stronger.  

Today as we celebrate Juneteenth, and every day thereafter, we stand with Black women and are committed to the fight for equality, equity, and opportunities for everyone, everywhere.”

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