LAFC announced a petition to make June 19th a federal holiday in a press release on Tuesday.
On June 19, 1865 orders were read by Union general Gordon Granger that all slaves were proclaimed free. That day has become known as Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is not currently recognized as a Federal holiday, Help us change that. Take action.
💻 https://t.co/PSAONVKxva pic.twitter.com/xzMgk9QXZm
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 16, 2020
The organization is fighting for national recognition of how important the date is in the history of our country. June 19th, or Juneteenth, marks the official end of slavery in the US as this was the date that Major General Gordon Granger brought the news to slaves in Texas that the war was over and they were free.
Juneteenth is recognized as a holiday in 47 out of the 50 states but does not currently have federal recognition. LAFC is attempting to change that by gathering signatures for a petition to make it a universal national holiday.
This petition is one of many initiatives that the organization is planning to tackle as a part of its commitment to social change within their community, and they made their stance clear during their press release.
“The Club stands firmly in solidarity with the Black Community against all acts of racism, hatred and prejudice. LAFC will continue to support, promote equality and use their collective voice against all social injustice.”
The club has a goal of getting 100,000 signatures on its petition, and they currently have 12,000 and counting! To support the team’s petition and help make it a reality, visit their page by clicking here.
