Fighting for Equality on Fantastic Friday
Dear Friends,
Earlier this week, Bellingham honored Juneteenth with a flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall flag plaza. This celebration, marking the end of slavery in the United States, holds special significance in our city. The official day of observance for Juneteenth in Bellingham was Wednesday, June 19, 2024, recognized as a city, state, and federal holiday.
This year’s celebration came at a particularly poignant time for our community. Recently, we faced a troubling incident involving the racially motivated assault of a student from Whatcom Middle School. During the Juneteenth gathering at City Hall, emcee Terrence “Teejay” Morris addressed this heartbreaking event, reminding us that while “Black is beautiful” and “Black is kind,” being Black can be challenging in our society.
Jason McGill, head of Northwest Youth Services, hoists the Juneteenth flag in a ceremony on Monday, June 17, 2024, at City Hall in Bellingham, Wash. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald
I was honored to be invited by Mayor Kim Lund to witness the flag-raising ceremony alongside community leaders TeeJay Morris, Deborah Binenza, Lance Jones, Nia Gipson, and Jason McGill. A particularly moving moment was the reading of the Juneteenth Day proclamation, written in their own words and shared with all of us. This ceremony brought a sense of hope for a future where we can all be treated equally, regardless of skin color, who we love, or where we come from.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news of the Civil War’s end and the freedom of all enslaved individuals. This day serves not only as a celebration of liberation but also as a platform for promoting diversity and understanding the struggles endured by enslaved Africans in their fight for freedom.
As we reflect on this recent Juneteenth celebration, let’s recommit ourselves to working towards equality and justice for all in our district. We have much work to do, but together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community. I encourage all constituents to continue engaging with the spirit of Juneteenth throughout the year, educating ourselves, celebrating our diversity, and continuing the important work of building a more equitable society for all residents of the 40th Legislative District.
Keep reading for more on this Fantastic Friday.
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
American Dreams for All
The Biden administration is set to implement a new policy by the end of summer 2024, providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens and their adopted children. This policy will impact approximately 500,000 people nationwide, many in Washington State.
Washington State has long supported immigrant communities in their journey to citizenship. In 2017, Governor Jay Inslee issued Executive Order 17-01, reaffirming the state’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity. The proclamation highlights the significant economic contributions of immigrants to the state, noting that:
“As of 2014, immigrants comprised almost 17 percent of Washington’s workforce and contributed over $2.4 billion in state and local taxes. Sixty percent of the Fortune 500 companies based in Washington were founded by immigrants or their children.”
Previously, undocumented spouses without green cards had to return to their home countries to complete the legal immigration process, often separating families and causing financial and educational disruptions. The new Biden policy allows undocumented spouses who have been married to U.S. citizens for at least 10 years and have lived in the U.S. for a decade to apply for citizenship without leaving the country. This policy also benefits approximately 50,000 children of these undocumented spouses.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. According to a Seattle Times article from February 8, 2024, Washington is home to 246,000 undocumented immigrants, with half uninsured and nearly a quarter living below the federal poverty level. The state is one of only two that saw an increase in its undocumented immigrant population between 2017 and 2021.
To address these ongoing issues, state legislators plan to work with the Governor’s Executive Branch and Attorney General’s Office to ensure a state pathway for the Biden Policy. We also aim to support community action partnerships that provide services to over 7,000 Washington citizens and create regional gathering centers for immigrant communities, starting with the northern region of Western Washington. These efforts aim to provide governmental services, cultural support, and a sense of community for immigrant populations across the state.
Champions of Tomorrow Making Waves Today
I’m thrilled to update you on an exciting event unfolding in our 40th Legislative District. Today, June 20, 2023, Ketchikan, Alaska welcomes young sailors from San Juan Island as part of the Race to Alaska (R2AK), a challenging journey from the Salish Sea through the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Southeast Alaska.
Team JD San Juan Islands, Photo Credit The Journal of San Juan Islands
Four of our district’s youth – Willow Gray, Dagny Krüger, Bryce Lutz, and Else Ranker – are competing as Team Juvenile Delinquents. They’ve impressively secured seventh position among monohull boats, cruising at 5.4 knots. This achievement showcases their resilience in one of the world’s most demanding sailing competitions.
The R2AK, described as a test of “physical endurance, saltwater know-how, and bulldog tenacity,” attracts both seasoned adventurers and novice sailors. Our team is navigating this challenging course in a 1993 boat, relying on wind power and their collective skills.
Team JD from San Juan Islands Lands in Ketchikan, Photo Credit Kevin Ranker
Else Ranker, a recent graduate of Spring Street International School on San Juan Island, brings valuable ocean experience to the team. I recently spoke with her father, former 40th District Senator Kevin Ranker, who shared the team’s inspiring story.
To support Team Juvenile Delinquents:
- Follow their progress on the R2AK online race tracker.
- Share their story on social media to boost community support.
- Send messages of encouragement as they face physical and mental challenges.
- Celebrate each milestone they achieve.
- Keep safety in mind, especially regarding wildlife encounters and weather conditions.
Their journey exemplifies teamwork, resilience, and youthful spirit. For more updates, follow the Salish Currents Newsletter.
I’m incredibly proud of these young sailors representing our district on this grand adventure. Let’s cheer them on as they make their way to the finish line in Ketchikan!
Community Corner with Cindy Wolf
In today’s Community Corner, I had the pleasure of sitting down with San Juan County Commissioner Cindy Wolf. Commissioner Wolf, who represents Orcas Island, has completed a four-year term characterized by unwavering dedication to our community.
Our conversation highlighted the importance of living within our means, a principle that aligns with Native American traditions and reflects the San Juan Islands residents’ commitment to responsible stewardship of our land and waters. Commissioner Wolf emphasized how this ethos is crucial for maintaining a safe, healthy, and sustainable way of life for everyone in our community.
We also discussed critical issues facing the San Juan Islands, including political decisions, regulatory assessments, and necessary fiscal investments. Commissioner Wolf has been a strong advocate for ensuring our community’s voices are heard at decision-making tables, including the Washington State Department of Transportation. Her collaboration with Senator Liz Lovlett, Chair of the Ferry Caucus, demonstrates her commitment to addressing challenges within the Washington State Ferry system, one of the largest and most expensive in the nation.
Commissioner Wolf’s efforts to secure investments in new, environmentally friendly ferries and long-term infrastructure are vital for protecting the Salish Sea. We also touched on the impacts of COVID-19 on our transportation industry, particularly the ferry system, highlighting the need for a resilient workforce and sustainable solutions.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to building on Commissioner Wolf’s progress as we approach new City Council elections. The voices of San Juan County residents will remain my top priority as we work towards a sustainable and prosperous future for our community.
Commissioner Wolf’s tenure has been marked by dignity, respect, and unwavering dedication. Her advocacy has ensured that the concerns of the San Juan Islands are heard and addressed. As your representative, I’m inspired by her example and determined to continue this important work, collaborating with incoming leaders to create a thriving future for all in our beautiful island community.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in shaping our community’s future.
Endorsements
We continue to rise with women leaders across this great state, and some of our fiercest warriors are the women on the front lines of the Washington Environmental and Natural Resources Restoration and Protection with balanced actions that will sustain a healthy and prosperous state for today and future generations.
I am honored to be endorsed by Lisa Wilson, Lummi Nation, NWIFC Vice Chair, and ATNI Natural Resources Committee, Martha Kongsgaard, Founder of Kongsgaard Foundation and several monumental environmental and conservation organizations, and Stephanie Solien – past Governor Appointed Co Chair of WA State Southern Resident Killer Whale Taskforce and served on several monumental environmental and science organizations.
Everything we do, we do together. It is only through the continued support of incredible individuals and organizations like these that I am able to stand up and do the difficult work of making our lives better.
Thank you once again for your support!
