Hi Faith, Over the last 3 weeks, more than 18 million people like you joined campaigns on Change.org demanding justice for Black lives like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. I too have signed and shared the petitions. But I realize there is much more I can do to use my platform as an artist and a celebrity to uplift the history of Black people. That's why today, I'm asking you to join me by adding your name to Opal Lee's campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday in the United States. At 93 years old, Opal is not only leading a petition, she's also walking from Texas to Washington, D.C. for the second time to get Congress's attention. Click here to automatically add your name to Opal's petition and show your support. |
Today is Juneteenth. Today we celebrate the end of slavery on this very day back in 1865. While President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was issued two and a half years prior, and the Civil War had ended in April of that year, it wasn't until June 19, 1865 that all of our ancestors were free. And forever we should honor their lives and celebrate that day of freedom. Juneteenth, should be a national American holiday. And Opal Lee is leading the effort to put public pressure on Congress to make it happen. Add your name to mine and the hundreds of thousands of others who are supporting Opal's call to action -- click here to add your signature automatically. |
I recognize that this is a small gesture compared to the greater social needs of Black people in America. However, it is a gesture that can remind us of our journey toward freedom, and the work America still has to do. It can affirm that Black Lives Matter! Let's celebrate our first step toward freedom as Black people in America. And rather than observing Juneteenth as we do other holidays, by taking it off, let's make it a day when Black culture, Black entrepreneurship, and Black business get our support. Let's celebrate our many contributions to this land, among them Black Wall Street, jazz, rock n' roll, hip-hop + R&B, inventors, entrepreneurship and business brilliance, extraordinary cuisine, sports excellence, political power and global cultural influence. There has never been a more urgent time than now to get this done. Yesterday, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, California Senator Kamala Harris and Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey have announced that they are introducing legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Please join me in telling Congress to act. In solidarity, Usher Raymond IV |
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