Today is Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. Originating in 1865, the official Juneteenth website explains that the holiday's focus has now broadened to commemorate, "Black American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future."
Today, with our sixth "Day of Action for Racial Justice," IndiMarin honors the tradition, the significance, and the hope represented by Juneteenth.

BACKGROUND ON TODAY'S ACTION

Over the last two years, the Democratic-led House of Representatives has introduced a wide range of progressive legislation related to racial justice - including the issues of police reform, reparations, profiling, and racial disparities. These bills are outlined in a recent post on Medium, by our Congressman, Jared Huffman, entitled "Black Lives Matter: Legislative Action I'm taking to Fight for Justice."

There, he writes, "Systemic racism and injustices against black people and communities of color have been tolerated in this country for far too long. I hope this is our moment of reckoning: a chance for Americans to finally confront our original sin of racism and change the systems and policies that have perpetuated it. The kind of systemic change we need will not be easy. It requires a focused, sustained effort by all of us, in solidarity with and spearheaded by people of color." We are grateful to Congressman Huffman, who has been a strong supporter of these crucial bills. If passed, they will be significant steps forward in the fight for racial justice.

However, in a close review of the legislation introduced by the House, the IndiMarin Steering Committee noted a lack of attention to the unique issues faced by Black women and girls and Black individuals who are not cisgender. Both of these groups face extremely high levels of discrimination and violence. We believe strongly that their respective issues and needs must receive as much focus as that of cisgender Black men and boys.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Contact Congressman Huffman via phone at (415) 258-9657 or via an email to his website. You can use this template for messaging as desired.

Let the Congressman know that you would like him to take two actions to rectify the lack of attention in the House's legislative agenda to the unique issues faced by Black women and girls, as well as by transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary Black people.

1) Offer himself as an ally with other members to establish a "Commission on the Social Status of Black Women and Girls Act" to parallel the work of the proposed "Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act" which was introduced by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.

2) Work together with Congresswoman Wilson and other congressional allies to add language to the bills for both Commissions indicating that issues related to transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals will be included in the review process and recommendations.

Thank you for taking action to help ensure that progress on racial justice is inclusive of all Black people no matter their gender or sexual orientation!

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SUGGESTED VIEWING RELATED TO RACIAL JUSTICE
In the award-winning documentary, "13th," filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. This film is difficult yet essential viewing for all people engaged in the fight for racial justice. Netflix has made it available to all. Official trailer.

Happy Juneteenth to all those united in the fight for racial justice!

~ The IndiMarin Steering Committee - Laurie, Susan S, Betsy, Justine and Susan M