Alongside wanting social Injustice to end I would like "Juneteenth" to become a recognized holiday in New York state and eventually have this become a Federal Holiday throughout the 50 states. Juneteenth deserves to be celebrated and acknowledged like the Fourth of July.

The Civil War began in April 12, 1861, this war begun over the enslavement of African Americans. Throughout this 4-year war African Americans not only fought for their freedom but for their rights to become soldiers and for a fare wage. This was only the beginning for our people. June 19, 1865 became known worldwide as the day that the last of the slaves were freed in Texas. Slaves were robbed of their freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation was served 2 years prior to them being freed. Slave owners kept them captive despite knowing this information. Turning this day into a National Holiday is important to every person of African American descent that fought in the Civil War, those that endured slavery, and those that has been mistreated by our judicial system.

Growing up as an African American in the United States was as tough as it has always been. This type of treatment has been happening for centuries and it is time that we come together so we can be heard. Our culture always seems to have these hurdles that we seem to get over. This petition is another reason, and another stride we can take to get equality. We can make this change together by signing this petition today and bringing it to the attention of our Political leaders that have the power to get this done. I have no doubt in my mind that this can happen.