Happy Juneteenth, John!

On this day in 1865, 250,000 enslaved people in Texas finally learned of their freedom—more than two years after the emancipation proclamation. Ever since, the day has been recognized as a time to celebrate the end of slavery and the independence of all Americans. At the Alliance, Juneteenth is also an opportunity to recommit to our mission of creating a future where all people can live free from the threat of gun violence.

Even though Juneteenth has long been celebrated nationwide, it was not officially a federal holiday. Last year, in the wake of the national uprising against white supremacy, calls to make Juneteenth a federal holiday swelled. This week, Congress answered those calls!

Both the Senate and House voted to make June 19th Juneteenth National Independence Day! Juneteenth will be the 12th federal holiday and the first new holiday since 1983, when Congress approved Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

Join us in thanking Congress for taking decisive action to recognize Juneteenth.

Thank you,
Nelago (she/her)