As our country celebrates Juneteenth, we should recognize those who worked tirelessly from the founding of our nation to end the cruel institution of slavery. John Quincy Adams, an outspoken antislavery advocate, was one of those leaders. He fought tirelessly for the rights of enslaved people across America. From his time on the House floor to his hours spent arguing in front of the Supreme Court, John Quincy’s contributions to ending slavery need to be recognized and honored.

John Quincy Adams’s antislavery beliefs stemmed from his parents’ teachings. John and Abigail Adams viewed slavery as a moral evil that contradicted the principles of liberty upon which the United States is based. On Oct. 25, 1775, Abigail wrote to John (who went on to become the nation’s second president), “We have done Evil or our Enimies would be at peace with us. The Sin of Slavery as well as many others is not washed away.”