DMO President Derek Green Statement on Juneteenth

“For over 150 years, the Black community has celebrated Juneteenth as the end of chattel slavery in the United States. I thank President Biden for recognizing June 19th as a federal holiday, formally marking its significance to our nation. Local elected Democrats across the country paved the way for this holiday with their own statements commemorating Juneteenth, and I applaud my fellow DMOs for their role in gaining this recognition. 

Juneteenth is a day of Black joy. But it is also a day when we acknowledge that the end of slavery was not the end of oppression for Black Americans and other people of color. Let us use this holiday to celebrate Black emancipation, Black enfranchisement, and the ongoing work of the Black community to secure the life, liberty, and joy promised to all Americans.”

Derek Green
At-Large Councilmember, Philadelphia, PA
President, Democratic Municipal Officials