WASHINGTON D.C. – Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, released the following statement in honor of Juneteenth.
“In a time where our civil rights and our communities are under vicious assault, Juneteenth a holds special significance for us.
Every day, the current administration and its allies are advancing an intentional, concerted campaign to reverse the decades of progress on civil rights—progress that Black communities fought and risked their lives for in the face of discrimination and violence. The victories of the Civil Rights Movement, the work of generations of advocates and organizers, and the principles of equity and inclusion are at serious risk. The administration and its allies have proven that they will stop at nothing to bring to life their dystopian vision for America, where access to opportunity is limited to the few, supportive infrastructure is dismantled, and the voices of dissent who dare speak in opposition are silenced.
So, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we must acknowledge the sobering reality that the rights and dignity of Black Americans continue to be undermined. We must also acknowledge that it is our collective duty to do something about it.
Knowing that our freedom is not guaranteed and that equity and justice are not self-executing, we must rededicate ourselves to engaging in the fights necessary to ensure our liberation.
This Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength, resilience, and leadership of the Black communities that, even in the face of injustice, have made our nation better through our contributions and accomplishments. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to protect and defend our freedom, and seek justice, joy, and equity in everything we do.
We invite every person of conscience to join us in this fight, and to link arms and strategies across the issues and communities being impacted. Now is a time to stand up and be heard. Now is the time to join together. Now is the time for Civil Rights Solidarity.”
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