SPOKANE, Wash. – Lawmakers from across the Inland Northwest offered statements on Juneteenth, the federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States, on Wednesday.
There is no Black lawmaker currently seated in the executive branch of Washington, nor are there any Black policymakers representing the state on a national level.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D) offered a reflection on the meaning of the holiday after visiting an event held by Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity on Friday.
“On this Juneteenth, we commemorate the perseverance and strength of African Americans who endured the cruelties of slavery and celebrate the long-awaited emancipation that arrived on June 19, 1865,” Inslee said.
Idaho Governor Brad Little (R) honored the holiday while refraining from mentioning slavery or Black Americans via social media.
“Today, we commemorate #Juneteenth and celebrate the freedom of all Americans. Together, through respect and understanding, we will continue to create a more perfect union,” Little said.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R) offered a reflection on the holiday by underscoring the reason it was established.
“On #Juneteenth, we celebrate the end of slavery in the United States and renew our commitment to freedom. Let’s continue to strive for a more perfect union with liberty and opportunity for all,” Gianforte said.
US Senator Patty Murray (D) also highlighted the holiday on social media and argued for a continued need for racial justice in American civic life.
“As we commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S., we must strive to do the continued and necessary work to root out systemic racism and end racial injustice across our country,” Murray said.
Fellow US Senator representing the Evergreen State Maria Cantwell (D) focused on Juneteenth as an opportunity for national reflection on racial justice.
“Juneteenth is an opportunity for America to look back and reflect on the history of slavery and its impacts on our country. It is also a time to look to the future and recommit ourselves to continuing to fight against racial injustice wherever we find it,” Cantwell said.
Washington Attorney General and current gubernatorial candidate Bob Ferguson (D) echoed Murray with a statement looking to a future of continued civil rights organizing.
“Today is an opportunity to learn, reflect on history, and commit ourselves to the work ahead to ensure equality and justice for all…We must continue to fight for equality and justice,” Ferguson said.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s website offers an in-depth exploration of the holiday and its national impact.
