Friend — today I officially introduced the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act along with Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, and Ed Markey.

June 19, or Juneteenth as it came to be known, is the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation over two and a half years earlier. It aims to celebrate the end of the institution of slavery in the United States.

This legislation would make Juneteenth a federal holiday. It’s long past the time to give this holiday the recognition it deserves.

We are going to need grassroots supporters — like you! — behind us on this bill to send a strong message to Washington. If you agree Juneteenth needs to be made a federal holiday, can you sign my petition right now? Sign on here:

It’s going to take a team effort to make sure this legislation passes. Your support is critical as we make sure Juneteenth gets the recognition it deserves.

Thank you for taking action.

— Tina