NewDEAL Statement: Juneteenth 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17 , 2021
Contact: Karlton Laster, 202-660-1340 x6
NewDEAL Honors Juneteenth
Washington — The NewDEAL celebrates Juneteenth as both a recognition of when the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas gained word of emancipation on June 19, 1865, and as a reminder of the continued pursuit for racial equity and justice for the Black community. This important day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress our country has made, as well as to recognize the critical work that lies ahead to root out the systemic racism that still permeates so many aspects of our society.
We are proud that NewDEALers have demonstrated the leadership required to champion equal rights and actionable policies that support Black Americans. Across the country, NewDEALers are fostering a more inclusive and equitable community where they live. Their work includes Richmond, Virginia Mayor Levar Stoney’s efforts to draft an equity agenda and an anti-hate ordinance that would remove Confederate statues; St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’s launch of police reform and racial equity measures, and her announcement of Juneteenth as a city holiday after her recent election as the first Black woman to lead her city.
Additionally, we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black communities and that our ongoing response to the pandemic is crucial in achieving justice for Black Americans. There are models for actions, including the “Making Real Change” campaign launched by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist to increase vaccination rates in communities of color and combat vaccine hesitancy in Michigan. In New Jersey, a proposal from Senator Troy Singleton bill would establish a program to provide grant funding and technical assistance to support the development of minority-owned businesses, and in Cincinnati, Mayor John Cranley has proposed to invest $40 million in Black-owned businesses over five years, starting with an initial $5 million allocation from the city’s American Rescue Plan funding.
We stand today with NewDEAL Leaders, and with the Black community, in recognizing that Black Lives Matter, and we recommit to supporting the fight for justice and equity for all Americans. We look forward to continuing to elevate the state and local policy ideas that will ensure access to equal opportunity.
—
For more perspective, check out past conversations that the NewDEAL has hosted on Juneteenth and racial equity, including events featuring Bakari Sellers and Michael Smith, as well as Jamal Simmons in conversation with Mayor Jones and other NewDEALers at our 2021 Ideas Summit. Recent episodes of our podcast, An Honorable Profession, have featured guests such as Pennsylvania Representative Jordan Harris, Montgomery County Maryland Councilmember, Will Jawando, and U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. with NewDEALer Amanda Edwards.
About NewDEAL
The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is equitable and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.
Learn more about the NewDEAL and its members by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/
###
