Juneteenth 2023

As we reflect on the atrocities done to our African American brothers and sisters, both in recent memory and past history, we celebrate emancipation, yet we do so in a manner that condemns the ideology that any race of people is inferior or superior to another.

Instead, we are all created equal, so in that light, let us lift one another in our successes; striving only to ensure that humanity collectively coexists in harmony. While we all have, and are entitled to our respective differences of opinion, remember, that foundational principle is what makes us the United States of America.

Although we pledge not to relive the sins of this country’s past, we are tasked with and responsible for all our brothers’ and sisters’ safety, security, and freedom to choose what they will. We are reminded of, and adhere to, the words of Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemöller, in his work known as, First They Came:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

If he were alive today, Pastor Niemöller would undoubtedly have added . . . Then they came for African Americans, and I did not speak out—because I was not African American. As Union leaders, we have decided to take on the burden to speak for the voiceless, act for the absent, and fight for the powerless. So must we continue those values from today until our last.

On this Juneteenth, and henceforth, we will continue to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers . . . And when they come for us, thinking us divided, we will all be ready, standing as one Union: Immovable. Unbreakable. 

In Unity,