Today, we pause to honor Juneteenth—June 19, 1865—the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years after it was signed. This moment marked the delayed freedom of the last enslaved African Americans and remains a powerful reminder: freedom deferred is not freedom denied, and the fight for justice must continue.

In District 21, we are proud to represent a vibrant and diverse community that includes the enduring legacy of Black resilience, strength, and leadership. From Corona and East Elmhurst to Jackson Heights and Lefrak City, our neighborhoods are stronger when we honor the past and fight for a more just future.

Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone—it’s a living movement.

It calls us to confront the unfinished work of equity in America: the gaps in housing, health care, education, environmental justice, and public safety that continue to disproportionately impact Black families.

As your future City Councilmember, I carry the lessons of Juneteenth forward with action:

• I will fight for deeply affordable housing and protections for renters facing discrimination or displacement.

• I will push for fair wages and job creation that center working-class families.

• I will invest in youth programs, school funding, and mental health services that break cycles of poverty and trauma.

• I will prioritize environmental justice, targeting the pollution that harms communities of color across our borough.

• And I will stand with you to reimagine public safety, protect immigrant rights, and confront systemic racism head-on.

Juneteenth is also about celebration—celebrating the unbreakable spirit of Black New Yorkers who continue to lead, create, educate, and organize. From community organizers to artists to entrepreneurs, the Black community has always been the heartbeat of progress in Queens and across our city.

In District 21, I see the values of Juneteenth alive every day—in the resilience of our neighbors, the passion of our youth, and the determination of our families to thrive against all odds.

This Juneteenth, I honor that legacy. But more importantly, I pledge to act on it.

📅 Early voting is happening now through June 22nd.
🗳️ Election Day is Tuesday, June 24th.

Let’s turn remembrance into action and freedom into equity—for everyone.

Join the movement. Volunteer. Vote. Learn more at yannafornyc.net/yannafornyclinks