John,

Tomorrow is Independence Day, a day celebrated by many Americans as the anniversary of when our nation adopted the Declaration of Independence back in 1776.

But for Black Americans, that isn't the case. We didn't become “free” in 1776. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, a notorious slave owner.

For many, the 4th of July is not a day of celebration. Rather, it's a day of reckoning with our nation's racist past and present — and a time to organize towards a brighter future.

That's why today, I'm renewing my call to Congress to make Juneteenth — which marks the day that the Emancipation Proclamation was read to enslaved people in Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was declared — a national holiday.

Juneteenth honors Black freedom and resistance; it's a momentous day in American history, just like July 4th, and it deserves to be commemorated as such. Will you join me and add your voice to tell Congress to finally make Juneteenth a national holiday and day of remembrance?

I stand in solidarity with the protestors that have continued to take to the streets nationwide to demand justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and countless other Black lives who have experienced senseless violence at the hands of police for generations.

I stand with my future constituents in New York's 16th District, many of whom are Black and brown, and are bearing the brunt of unemployment, coronavirus, and racism daily.  

I'm constantly reminded of the ways we can do more in our fight for justice, and I look forward to bringing that fight to Congress in January. But until then, John, it's on us to continue demanding the change we deserve from our lawmakers. That's why I'm urging Congress now to declare Juneteenth as a national holiday to honor Black freedom, history, and resistance.

Will you add your name to my petition to Congress calling for Juneteenth to become a nationally-recognized holiday?

Thank you for adding your name to this fight, and for your support. I'm glad to be in this fight with you.

In solidarity,

Jamaal Bowman