AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Black Legislative Caucus Chair Representative Ron Reynolds issued the following statement: 
“This year, the commencement of Juneteenth — a celebration of Black Texans’ liberation from slavery — falls at a time when we once again find our freedoms under attack. Extremist elected officials and billionaires are infiltrating our lives in ways we have not seen since the Jim Crow era.

“Just last year, Texas Republicans passed legislation that dissolves Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs that center students of color seeking higher education. Now, the GOP is hellbent on defunding our public classrooms so their wealthy friends can get a discount on private school tuition. The lack of healthcare access has always disproportionately affected Black women, and the cruelty of Republican abortion bans has further placed women in medical danger. And each legislative session, we must stave off new attempts at limiting Black communities’ rights to vote. Yet despite these adversities – we remain resilient in our continued fight for freedom. 

“Here is the history that no Republican or billionaire can erase: Texas would not be the powerhouse it is today without the invaluable contributions and existence of our Black communities – beginning long before June 19th, 1865. While ignorance and extremism work to divide us, we stand united in our persisting fight for liberation for each and every Texan. This year, let our celebration of Juneteenth remind those who try to restrict our freedom that we are strong, free, and proud to be Black Texans.”

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