Poder Latinx Upholds and Commemorates Juneteenth Amidst the Pullbacks on DEI and Calls for Continued Commitment to Racial Justice

NATIONAL — As our nation commemorates Juneteenth—a day marking delayed freedom for enslaved African Americans—we are reminded that the fight for equity and justice is far from over. The following statement can be attributed to Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx:

“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom, the cost of delay, and the importance of Black and Brown unity. As Latinos, we are not a monolith. Our community includes Afro-Latinos, Indigenous people, and immigrants from all walks of life. We must continue to learn, unlearn, and grow by understanding our shared histories and standing in solidarity with one another.

At Poder Latinx, we are committed to preserving DEI practices in the workplace and beyond. We must continue to create space for education, inclusion, and representation, especially for those too often left out of the conversation.

True freedom will not be felt until our people can walk the streets safely and with dignity—when they can go for a run, attend a family event, or pursue an education without fear of discrimination simply because of the color of their skin.

Juneteenth is a proud day of celebration. We stand in solidarity with our Black and Brown communities to commemorate this vital federal holiday. And we remain steadfast in our mission to uplift and mobilize our communities in the fight for a more just and equitable future.”

In the first 100 days of his current term, President Trump and his administration launched aggressive rollbacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, setting off a wave of fear that led many companies and institutions to gut DEI departments under political pressure. These attacks are part of a broader effort to erase progress and silence the communities most impacted by systemic injustice.

At Poder Latinx, we believe that now more than ever, we must protect and uplift the diversity that strengthens our nation. We remain committed to advocating for inclusive policies and practices that ensure Black and Brown communities are represented, valued, and protected.

Juneteenth began in 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their emancipation—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Today, that same state has become a center of attacks on immigrant rights and on the DACA program, which supports many Black and Brown immigrants.

America has a long and painful history of denying full citizenship and dignity to Black and Brown people. Despite legal recognition, many continue to be treated as second-class citizens—or not seen as part of this country at all.  Poder Latinx will keep fighting through voting rights advocacy, civic engagement, and community power-building to ensure that every voice is heard, every vote is counted, and every person is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

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