Today in Milwaukee, I joined my constituents in recognizing the 150th year celebration of Juneteenth Day. Our city has one of the nation’s oldest and largest Juneteenth Day events, and it is a matter of pride that Milwaukee’s celebration is now in its 44th year.

The observance of Juneteenth Day not only gives us all an opportunity to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in our country, but it also provides us with a chance to have an open and honest conversation about race relations in our society. This important date underscores the incredible gains we’ve made together in addressing racial inequality and serves as a valuable reminder that our collective march towards justice continues in our classrooms, governments, and places of worship.

As we begin to heal from the tragic events that took place at an historic Black church in Charleston, South Carolina, let our commitment to equality serve as a source of strength for those in pain. Now more than ever, we need partners in peace who recognize that racial equality can only be achieved when all Americans work together in helping our country live up to its promise of ‘justice for all.