I am a New York City Public School Teacher and I am asking the Department of Education to recognize Juneteenth as a school holiday. This a holiday celebrated on the 19 of June to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

Making this day a school holiday will be a necessary first step in recognizing the suffering of African Americans as a continuum to present. It will allow us to reflect on why this education is necessary for ALL Americans, especially through of privilege in the white community and communities of color. Lastly, this will allow us to excel in the already existing Department of Education initiative of Equity and Excellence for All agenda.

My hope is that what starts with New York City will ripple throughout schools across our nation and June 19th will become equal to July 4th.

My goal with this petition is to recognize my students and colleagues from the African American community and to use this as a launching pad for learning about and advocating for institutional reforms. A rising tide lifts all boats. Let's begin with this necessary so I can teach my own sons that learning about this nation's pained history is the only way to begin doing the work ahead of us. The work necessary to realize the promise of our creed of equality for all.