Rep. Jarrells, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Hold Juneteenth Press Conference on Black Liberation, Legislation Action
COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) alongside fellow members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) today held a press conference honoring Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle for Black liberation and calling attention to critical legislative efforts to advance justice in Ohio.
“This moment is about more than remembrance, it’s about responsibility,” said Rep. Jarrells. “Juneteenth is a mirror reflecting how far we’ve come and how far we still must go. As Black legislators, we’re using our voices, our votes, and our vision to carry forward the fight for dignity, equity, and freedom in every corner of this state.”
Rep. Jarrells highlighted key pieces of legislation he is pursuing to directly confront racial violence, institutional injustice, and Ohio’s failure to fully protect all its people. That legislation includes:
- House Bill 306 – The Hate Crime Act: Expands protections for individuals targeted due to race, religion, gender, disability, political affiliation, and other protected identities; strengthens penalties for bias-motivated crimes; and provides clear civil remedies and legal definitions to support victims and law enforcement.
The End Slavery in Ohio Act: Proposes removing the language “except as punishment for a crime” from Ohio’s Constitution, ensuring that no form of slavery is permissible under state law and affirming Ohio’s full commitment to human dignity.
Even as the OLBC and Ohio House Democratic Caucus celebrated the end of slavery in the United States, far too many Ohioans remain shackled by unjust policies that keep families poor, children sick, and communities unsafe. From redlining and food deserts to mass incarceration and voter suppression, the fight for true freedom and justice is far from over. Rep. Jarrells reminded Ohioans that far too many communities remain trapped by policies that perpetuate inequality. From redlining and food apartheid to mass incarceration and voter suppression, the systems that deny freedom may look different, but they still exist.
“True liberation doesn’t stop with symbolism. It demands legislation,” said Rep. Jarrells. “We’re here to finish what our ancestors started.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Jarrells at Wednesday's press conference is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democratic Caucus