This shouldn't be that difficult. We're in the middle of a global pandemic. The number of people infected, and the number of dead, are sobering. Our own country is among the worst hit in the world, and our number of infections is spiking in the last week or two. 50,000 Americans were infected just yesterday.

In our continuing work to listen to and lift up black voices, the Mainstream Coalition is working to host and support conversations around racial justice. If we have learned one thing during this time, it is that we have so much to learn from black partners and community leaders, neighbors and friends. Let's keep it going.

Tomorrow is Juneteenth, celebrated as the day slavery ended in the United States. But while we recognize that day, we also recognize that the legacy of slavery remains in the fabric of our society.

George Floyd was murdered on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, a little over a week ago. Our country has convulsed in the aftermath with protests, anger, and grief, and the final story is still being written. Americans have been asked to not look away from the racism ingrained in our society, from the reactions of police and government, from the lives of those experiencing racism. Americans are being asked to listen to their voices.

Five minutes and 53 seconds. That was how long George Floyd was violently restrained with undue force by Derek Chauvin before he was known to be unresponsive. Two minutes and 53 seconds. That was how long Chauvin continued applying unnecessary pressure to Floyd’s neck. Eight minutes and 46 seconds. That is the time it took to murder George Floyd in broad daylight.

Last week, the Kansas Legislature passed nine bills in their 23-hour final day. Eight of them remain to be signed by the Governor, but another she vetoed this past Tuesday, as the Governor's emergency powers to keep Kansans safe during the pandemic ran out.

Almost 24 hours after they started Thursday morning, the Kansas Legislature adjourned in the early hours today, having worked through the night to quash debate, vote on measures yet to be written, and eventually pass a terrible bill that endangers Kansans.

A week from today, on May 21st, the Kansas Legislature will convene for one final day, Sine Die, to conclude their business for the year. One day hardly seems like enough, but that's because today and tomorrow—and likely next week—legislators are getting together for committee hearings to prepare bills for that final day.

See this video of why this family is joining Walk the Vote this year.

We're holding our (virtual) Walk the Vote this year on Saturday, June 13, with a week of online events leading up to it.