http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/juneteenth-1900-s5.jpgOn Juneteenth, we honor the day that word of emancipation reached the last enslaved Americans in Texas, marking the end of a long, dark chapter in our history.

MADISON, Wis. — In honor of Juneteenth, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and Vice Chair Felesia Martin released the following statements:

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler:

“On Juneteenth, we honor the day that word of emancipation reached the last enslaved Americans in Texas, marking the end of a long, dark chapter in our history. That day in 1865 was just the first step on the path to equality and racial justice—a path we still walk today. Racial disparities persist throughout American life, fueled by systemic inequities that shape the lives of Black Wisconsinites every day. Today, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin recommits itself to the hard, essential work of advancing racial equity—not just in moments of remembrance and celebration, but every day until true liberation and equality has been realized for all.”

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Vice Chair Felesia Martin:

“On this Juneteenth, we come together to honor the creative expression, strength, and resilience of Wisconsin’s Black community, and to celebrate the bonds we’ve formed and the progress we’ve made in this fight for equity and equality. Juneteenth has been celebrated consistently in Wisconsin for over 50 years, and we are proud today to continue this tradition. Juneteenth is both a day of remembrance and solidarity as we gather as one Wisconsin community to uplift Black voices, honor our ancestry, and continue our work to build a stronger, more equitable and inclusive Wisconsin.”