June 2025 Letter to members of the general Assembly

 
June 4, 2025
 
Members of the General Assembly,
 
               For several years, Kentuckians have gathered to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery and the beginning of treating one another with dignity.
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                Juneteenth is the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when African-Americans in Texas first learned that their freedom was ensured by the Emancipation Proclamation. President Lincoln’s Proclamation declared permanent freedom for enslaved people in rebellious Confederate States. Kentucky was not on that list because, although we were still enslaving people, we were cooperating with the Union. One might say we were sitting on the fence in regard to slavery. One might also say we are still on that fence.  

                Freedom for Kentuckians was established by the 13th Amendment, which assures that enslavement and involuntary servitude are prohibited, except for those who have been convicted of a crime. Our KY Constitution reflects the 13th Amendment in its entirety. And that means we are still not fully committed to treating everyone with dignity.

       Because Kentucky has not ended slavery and involuntary servitude, our commemoration of the end of slavery rings hollow. Maybe we should think of our Juneteenth celebrations as practice until we finish our work. But while we have our fun practicing, Kentuckians are still at risk for crimes against humanity. Is that right and fair? Wouldn’t it be more honest and better for everyone if we could celebrate having already accomplished a true end of slavery and involuntary servitude?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on that.
 
Patricia Gailey, President
Abolish Slavery KY, Inc