Hi Neighbors,
I’m writing to let you know that my offices are closed today in observance of Juneteenth. My team and I are spending the day learning more about the history of racism in America, and reflecting on the role we play in creating a more equitable and just future for all Minnesotans – and we invite you to join us, read on to find out why…
| This Juneteenth, I’m dropping in to extend a thank you, an announcement, and an invitation. Click here to watch. |
Why June 19th?
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, celebrates freedom, and highlights the ongoing fight for racial equality. Here’s the history of this important date in American history:
Today is a significant day that deserves reverence and respect, so I’m joining a growing number of American employers – like Target and Best Buy here in Minnesota – in recognizing it as a paid holiday for my staff. My offices will be closed today in observance, and my team and I will spend time reflecting on our shared history and on our role in creating a more equitable and just future.
Listening, Learning, and Growing Together
Those of us who have never experienced the discrimination our Black neighbors face every day right here in our own community have a lot of listening, learning, and action ahead of us. Today, I’m diving in to some of the extraordinary resources that have been recommended to me. Let’s do this together, here’s where I’m starting:
Trust and Action
I’m on a mission to restore all Americans’ faith in our government – but I know that trust is earned by action, not words. I’m headed back to Washington next week and will continue to work with Minnesotans of all perspectives as we build a more equitable America. Here are some bills I’m co-sponsoring:
- H.Res. 988, which condemns acts of police brutality, racial profiling, and use of excessive and militarized force
- H.R. 7120, the Justice in Policing Act, which comprehensively reforms policing in America by banning choke-holds and no-knock warrants, creating a national registry to track police misconduct, and allowing criminal and civil penalties for police misconduct
- H.R. 7100 to encourage greater community accountability of law enforcement
- H.R. 7188 to require law enforcement to report the use of lethal force
I’m grateful to everyone who reached out, shared perspectives, and joined the conversation in the weeks since George Floyd was killed here in Minnesota. Those conversations have been productive, illuminating, and sometimes difficult – and that’s okay. My team and I are committed to sustained, meaningful engagement on racial justice. Let’s get to work.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress