Juneteenth 2020

June 19, 2020

PIRC is proud to stand in solidarity and hope with our African American brothers and sisters on this day, Juneteenth, and every day. Today is a day for celebration, that has long gone unacknowledged by many. Today commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers entered Galveston, Texas bringing news of emancipation and the end of the Civil War. Racism, both overt and implicit, continues to abound and result in ongoing violence and the murder of Black Americans across the United States.

PIRC is evaluating our holiday policies and is committed to ensuring that our staff have the ability to celebrate Juneteenth going forward. As we work with our clients today, PIRC celebrates the beginning of freedom and commits to educating ourselves and those around us regarding implicit biases and other expressions of racism. As an organization, we are committed to becoming anti-racist and to push those around us to be the same.

PIRC is here to provide support for all communities. Our programs work to provide access to justice for all vulnerable immigrants in detention, immigrant survivors of violence, and lawful permanent residents seeking to naturalize, through legal service, education, and advocacy. Join us in our commitment to anti-racism and ensuring access to justice for all.

Sincerely,

PIRC Staff and Board