Friend,

Late yesterday, the Senate unanimously voted to pass the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to establish June 19th as a federal holiday. Now, the bill is heading to the House.

Join me in urging House leadership to pass the Juneteenth bill so that, for the first time, our nation can take this meaningful step in reckoning with the dark legacy of slavery and healing our country.

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which announced that, in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation, “all slaves are free.”

But celebrating Juneteenth is about far more than remembering that one day of our history — it is about reclaiming our history, rejoicing in the progress we’ve made, and recommitting to the work left undone.

Yesterday was a significant moment in American history, but we still have a long way to go before we fully overcome the violence and injustice that have persisted since slavery’s end. Passing this legislation would be an important step.

Add your name and join me in urging the House to pass the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act establishing June 19th as a federal holiday this week.

Congress has not established a new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Thank you for raising your voice to be a part of this historic effort.

— Cory