Juneteenth

{NAME}, Millions of people across the country have taken to the streets in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other Black people killed by vigilantes or law enforcement in America. The Movement for Black Lives is at the center of it, organizing Black Lives Matter rallies nationwide calling for an end to police violence in the United States. This weekend, in recognition and honor of Juneteenth, DFA members across the country will join M4BL rallies virtually and in-person in communities across the country. The demands are simple: - Defund the Police - Invest in Black Communities - Call for the Resignation of Donald Trump Working together, we will end police violence in America, invest in people, not violence, and build progressive communities where all people feel safe and have opportunities to thrive. Will you join DFA members at a Movement for Black Lives event in your community this weekend? [Click here to find an event online or in your area supporting the Movement for Black Lives Juneteenth weekend of action >>]( [FIND AN EVENT]( This Friday, June 19th, is Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a day that honors Black freedom and Black resistance by celebrating the day -- over two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation -- U.S. Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended, two months after the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Six months later on December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment was ratified by Congress, marking the official abolition of slavery in this country. Beginning the following year, on June 19, and every year after, parades, parties, and celebrations have taken place in Texas and have since spread across the country, making “Juneteenth” [a combination of June and Nineteenth] the day that most states commemorate black emancipation, liberation and independence. Juneteenth is a day of celebration of Black freedom and independence, and it's the perfect day to stand together in solidarity and demand structural change. The calls for true, meaningful reform to our system of justice and law enforcement have never been stronger. For the first time, millions of Americans are finally seeing with their own eyes the systemic racism at the heart of our institutions. Protests and marches for justice are taking place in all 50 states, in DC, and around the world. [We can't stop now. Every American must raise their voice to demand justice. Please join the Movement for Black Lives at an event online or in your community this Juneteenth weekend >>]( [FIND AN EVENT]( Thank you for raising your voice in solidarity with your fellow Americans. Please be sure to remember to follow public health guidelines and stay safe when attending an event near you. Standing together in the fight for change, — Yvette Yvette Simpson, CEO Democracy for America Paid for by Democracy for America, democracyforamerica.com and not authorized by any candidate. Contributions to Democracy for America are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. This email was sent to {EMAIL}. [Click here to unsubscribe from receiving further emails.](