DHS Recognizes Juneteenth

This week President Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday.

Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties June 18, 2021 DHS Recognizes Juneteenth Dear CRCL Stakeholders: Although the Emancipation Proclamation officially abolished slavery in the United States in 1862, it wasn't until Union Army troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865—nearly three years later—that enslaved African Americans finally received the news that they were free. This day, now known as Juneteenth, has been commemorated since then in African American communities across the country, and has been recognized as a state holiday in more than 47 states across the country. This week, President Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday, which honors and acknowledges the significance of this day, both for African Americans and for all across our Nation. Juneteenth is a holiday that is commemorated with food, fellowship, and many cultural traditions. Most importantly, it is a day to remember every person's right to freedom from discrimination, and to solemnly reflect on the lives of those who endured the unconscionable institution of slavery and on the resilience of the African American community. This week, in a statement to the DHS workforce, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted the significance of  Juneteenth and reaffirmed the Department's commitment to protect the civil and human rights of all Americans. He also noted that at DHS, "we work to ensure our policies are informed by the communities we serve every day. We also remain committed to ensuring our Department looks like America, including by investing in the development of diverse talent pipelines and ensuring equitable access to professional advancement opportunities." At the Department, we are committed to making lasting and impactful change for African Americans and all communities of color, as outlined in President Biden's Executive Order to advance racial equity and support for underserved communities. The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) is proud to lead the Department's efforts to combat racial inequality and injustice through robust engagement with diverse communities, civil rights training and policy oversight, and the integration of equity and inclusive diversity practices into every aspect of the Department's work.  Juneteenth is a pertinent reminder of how far we've come since the abject horrors of slavery, and the continued work that still must be done to rid our nation of systemic racial inequality. The impacts of slavery are still experienced across our country today, including through disparate access to healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunity.  As CRCL works to support the Department's mission to safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values, we will continue this work to protect the civil and human rights of all—through fairness, inclusion, and equal protection under the law. Sincerely, Kathy Katherine Culliton-González Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties U.S. Department of Homeland Security   With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.   Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov  |  info@dhs.gov *Manage subscription  |  *Unsubscribe  |  Help CRCL Phone:  202-401-1474 • Toll-Free: 866-644-8360  TTY: 202-401-0470 • Toll-Free TTY: 866-644-8361 CRCLOutreach@hq.dhs.gov

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security · www.dhs.gov · 202-282-8000

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